Books

This is a rare second printing of the first U.S. edition by Boni & Liveright (1925), published in 1927, after Hemingway's break with this publisher (1926) and his switch to Scribner's Sons (see below) HARDCOVER. Lacking the rare dustjacket. Bound in black cloth with bright gilt design & lettering front board, gilt lettering spine. NEAR FINE (gilt lettering on spine dulled but quite legible, internally clean). An especially nice clean tight solid copy. With the publication of "In Our Time", Hemingway's reputation as a rising young writer grew and he obtained a contract with the American publisher Horace Liveright, who published an expanded "In Our Time" in 1925. Following a dispute with Liveright concerning Ernest Hemingway's attack on his former mentor Sherwood Anderson,and Boni and Liveright's refusal to publish Hemingway's parody of Anderson's fiction, Hemingway publicly distanced himself from the publishing house and began a lifelong relationship with the publisher Charles Scribner's Sons. Nevertheless, Boni & Liveright published this small second printing of the first edition of "In Our Time" in 1927, a year after the dispute." (Source: University of Delaware Library, Rare Books Collection).

"In Our Time" is a collection of short stories by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1924. This groundbreaking work intertwines a series of vignettes and short narratives, offering a glimpse into the lives of characters dealing with the aftermath of World War I. Hemingway's prose is characterized by its brevity and precision, echoing the sentiments of the "Lost Generation," a term often associated with the disillusioned post-war youth. The collection features themes of war, human connection, and the struggle for identity in a world recovering from conflict. The book's structure alternates between short, evocative vignettes and more traditional short stories, providing a mosaic of experiences that portray the effects of war on individuals and society. Hemingway's spare and economical style captures moments of despair, isolation, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the era. Several stories within the collection stand out, including "Indian Camp," where a young boy witnesses birth and death in a stark and brutal manner, illustrating the harsh realities of life. "Big Two-Hearted River" follows the journey of Nick Adams, a recurring Hemingway character, as he grapples with internal struggles while on a fishing trip. Hemingway's narrative style reflects the trauma of war and its impact on the human psyche. The stories often convey a sense of emotional detachment and stoicism, mirroring the numbness experienced by those affected by the war's horrors. "In Our Time" is not just a collection of stories but also a poignant reflection on the post-war period, exploring themes of loss, disillusionment, and the quest for meaning in a world where traditional values and beliefs were shattered by the devastating effects of war. Hemingway's masterful storytelling and innovative narrative techniques have made this collection a significant work in American literature, showcasing the author's ability to convey profound themes in concise and powerful prose.