Books

1926, First Edition, First Printing published 1926 with no later indications printed on the copyright page. Hardcover. No dustjacket. Original Dark Blue Cloth, Lettered In Yellow Blue boards; a couple of small spots on both front and back board; binding is worn in color with a look of green, and slight tearing on both ends of the spine. 319 pages that are clean, albeit yellowed from age, with no writing, marks or bookplates in the book. Faulkner's first novel, Soldiers' Pay (1926), is among the most memorable works to emerge from the First World War. Through the story of a wounded veteran's homecoming, it examines the impact of soldiers' return from war on the people-particularly the women-who were left behind.

"Soldiers' Pay" by William Faulkner explores the post-World War I landscape through the experiences of returning soldiers grappling with the harrowing effects of war trauma. The narrative orbits around Captain Donald Mahon, whose physical injuries and emotional scars from the war have left him disillusioned and estranged from his pre-war existence. Mahon's return to his hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi, reveals the stark contrast between his altered self and the unchanged community around him. His struggles with the horrors of war, coupled with the inability to reintegrate into civilian life, manifest in his strained relationships and emotional detachment. The novel intertwines Mahon's story with those of other characters, notably Joe Gilligan, a fellow soldier whose loyalty and friendship become a lifeline for Mahon amidst his inner turmoil. The narrative also explores the impact of war on Mahon's family and acquaintances, reflecting the broader societal effects of the war's aftermath. Faulkner delves deep into the psychological toll of war, portraying themes of loss, disillusionment, and the haunting memories that haunt soldiers long after the conflict ends. The novel serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by returning veterans and the difficulties they encounter in reconciling their wartime experiences with civilian life. Through evocative prose and multi-layered characters, Faulkner paints a compelling portrait of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war, exploring the themes of trauma, alienation, and the search for meaning and connection in a world forever altered by the ravages of conflict. "Soldiers' Pay" stands as a powerful testament to the human cost of war and the profound impact it leaves on those who bear its scars.