Books

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1930. Hardcover. Fine/Very Good. First Scribner’s edition and first edition thus, with an introduction by Edmund Wilson and Ernest Hemingway and with an additional story by Hemingway that didn't appear in any previous edition. Fine in a very good or better dust jacket with a modest chip at the crown, a very faint spot on the spine, and a long but barely visible internally repaired tear. A much nicer than usual copy of this important collection, preceded by a Paris edition and a Boni and Liveright edition.

"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.