Books

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1929. First edition, first issue of this early Hemingway classic, which established him among the American masters. Octavo, original black cloth with gilt labels to the spine and front panel. First issue with Scribner's seal to title verso and without legal disclaimer. Fine in a near near fine first state dust jacket priced at $2.50 and with the misspelling "Katharine Barclay" in the blurb on the front flap. Some neat professional repairs to the spine ends and corners of the dust jacket. A very sharp and attractive example of this highspot of American literature, among the best fiction to come out of the First World War. Written when Ernest Hemingway was thirty years old and lauded as the best American novel to emerge from World War I, A Farewell to Arms is the unforgettable story of an American ambulance driver on the Italian front and his passion for a beautiful English nurse. Set against the looming horrors of the…

Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" is a poignant novel set against the backdrop of World War I. The story follows the experiences of Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver in the Italian army, and his romance with Catherine Barkley, a British nurse. As the war rages on, Frederic becomes disillusioned with the conflict and seeks solace in his relationship with Catherine. Their love blossoms amidst the chaos of war, offering them brief moments of respite from the brutality surrounding them. However, their happiness is fragile, and tragedy looms over their romance. The novel explores themes of love, loss, disillusionment, and the futile nature of war. Hemingway's spare and straightforward prose style mirrors the stark realities faced by the characters, conveying the harshness of war and the complexities of human relationships. "A Farewell to Arms" is not just a war novel; it's a profound meditation on the human condition, capturing the essence of love and sacrifice in the face of adversity. Through Hemingway's masterful storytelling, the novel continues to resonate with readers, offering timeless insights into the human experience.