Books

What may well be the first French edition, originally published in green wraps, has been bound in pretty marbled boards with a quarter-leather spine now showing considerable edge rub, though gilt titles "G. Greene / Rocher de Brighton" remain bright to spine. ORIGINAL GREEN WRAPS BOUND IN, originally priced 390 fr. Title page states "33e edition," which might be more usefully translated "33rd printing." Verso of copyright page states "Il a Ete Tire de Cet Ouvrage Cent exemplaires sur alpha, dont vingt exemplaires hors commerce numerotes de I a XX et quatre-vingts exemplaires numerotes de 21 a 100. / Copyright 1947 by Robert Laffont, Paris. / Tous droits reserves pour tous pays / No. 223 ." And final page of text reads: "Acheve D'Imprimer pour Robert Laffont, editeur a Paris, sur les presses de L'Imprimerie de la Seine a Montreuil-Sous-Bois, le VIII Avril MCMXLVII." To top of the blank between the front wrap and the half-title page the author has signed in blue fountain pen "For Norman Roger Gibault / from Graham Greene." (Yes, Graham Greene's signature looks more like "Eubar Euve," but we have compared to many examples Online and judge this authentic -- please see scan.) Pages moderately browned to edges but still flexible & easily read. Organized crime in pre-war Britain. Basis for the 1947 film starring Richard Attenborough as gang leader Pinkie Brown, as well as a 2010 remake featuring Sam Riley, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Serkis, John Hurt, Sean Harris, and (Dame) Helen Mirren. A Haycraft-Queen cornerstone, interestingly enough. 365 pp. Reduced from $3,600.

"Brighton Rock" by Graham Greene, a noir thriller published in 1938, delves into the seedy underworld of Brighton, England, and portrays the twisted mind of its protagonist, Pinkie Brown. The story revolves around Pinkie, a teenage gangster and sociopath who becomes the ruthless leader of a criminal gang in the seaside town of Brighton. After the murder of a rival gang member, Hale, Pinkie's involvement sets off a chain of events that plunge him deeper into a world of crime, violence, and moral decay. Amidst this dark backdrop, Rose, a naive and impressionable young waitress, becomes entangled in Pinkie's life. Following Hale's death, Rose inadvertently holds information that could incriminate Pinkie, leading him to manipulate her into a loveless marriage to keep her silent. Haunted by paranoia and a deep fear of being caught by the police, Pinkie's cruel and erratic behavior intensifies. His constant struggle with his conscience and the prospect of eternal damnation, fueled by his Catholic beliefs, adds layers of complexity to his character. Meanwhile, Ida Arnold, a middle-aged woman, becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Hale's death. Her relentless pursuit of justice contrasts sharply with Pinkie's efforts to evade capture, setting up a tense and dramatic conflict between the two characters. Greene weaves a narrative rich in moral ambiguity, exploring themes of guilt, innocence, and the consequences of one's actions. The story provides a stark commentary on the nature of evil and the corrupting influence of crime and amorality. Through vivid and atmospheric prose, Greene paints a vivid picture of Brighton's underbelly, portraying the contrast between the town's lively facade and its darker, sinister side. The novel's setting becomes a reflection of the moral decay and desperation that permeates the characters' lives. Ultimately, "Brighton Rock" is a gripping and morally complex tale that delves into the depths of human depravity. It remains a timeless exploration of the human psyche, morality, and the struggle between good and evil in a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface.