Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1926. First UK Edition, First Printing, First State. Hardcover. Octavo, 248 pages. In Very Good minus condition. Bound in green cloth with gilt text on spine. Lacking issued dust jacket. Boards show mild discoloration to spine and bumping to corners. Text block has toning to endpapers and bookplate on front pastedown. Shelved in Case 13. 1370798. Shelved Dupont Bookstore.

"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.