Books

Paris: Three Mountains Press, 1924. First Edition. Near Fine. First edition, copy number 23 of a limited 170 copies. 30 [1] pp. Bound in publisher's paper-covered boards with news-clipping design. Near Fine with light edge wear, light wear to spine ends with a closed tear roughly one-inch from the base (though suggesting no restoration), toning to spine and the usual browning to the endsheets. Housed in a custom cloth chemise case with morroco title label stamped in gilt. Hemingway's scarce second published book, and his first of short fiction. Though intended to be published in an edition of 300 copies, due to a printing error only 170 were released and originally sold through Sylvia Beach's literary juggernaut of a bookshop, Shakespeare & Company.

"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.

The true first edition was published in 1924 by Three Mountains Press with a run of only 300 copies. These are numbered and signed by Hemingway. Full tan linen binding with gold lettering on the spine, a small picture of a boxer stamped in black on the front cover, and with three black lines on the title page. A less limited Paris edition was published by Edward Titus in 1926 under the title 'In Our Time' (lowercase 'i' in 'in') featuring 27 additional vignettes.