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New York: The Viking Press, 1938. First American edition, preceding the British edition by one month of Greene's chilling expose of violence and gang warfare in the pre-war underworld is a classic of its kind.  Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "For Richard Graham Greene." Near fine in near fine dust jacket with light rubbing and wear. Jacket design by George Salter. Housed in a custom clamshell box. First editions signed and inscribed are scarce Here the probing is carried further in a brilliant and uncompromising indictment of some of the worst aspects of modern civilization, showing us the hard-boiled criminal mind not as a return to savagery but as a horrible perversion of cerebration" (The New York Times). It is the basis for the 1947 film directed by John Boulting and starring Richard Attenborough as gang leader Pinkie Brown and the 2010 film, which stars Sam Riley, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Serkis, John Hurt, Sean…

"Brighton Rock" by Graham Greene, a noir thriller published in 1938, delves into the seedy underworld of Brighton, England, and portrays the twisted mind of its protagonist, Pinkie Brown. The story revolves around Pinkie, a teenage gangster and sociopath who becomes the ruthless leader of a criminal gang in the seaside town of Brighton. After the murder of a rival gang member, Hale, Pinkie's involvement sets off a chain of events that plunge him deeper into a world of crime, violence, and moral decay. Amidst this dark backdrop, Rose, a naive and impressionable young waitress, becomes entangled in Pinkie's life. Following Hale's death, Rose inadvertently holds information that could incriminate Pinkie, leading him to manipulate her into a loveless marriage to keep her silent. Haunted by paranoia and a deep fear of being caught by the police, Pinkie's cruel and erratic behavior intensifies. His constant struggle with his conscience and the prospect of eternal damnation, fueled by his Catholic beliefs, adds layers of complexity to his character. Meanwhile, Ida Arnold, a middle-aged woman, becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Hale's death. Her relentless pursuit of justice contrasts sharply with Pinkie's efforts to evade capture, setting up a tense and dramatic conflict between the two characters. Greene weaves a narrative rich in moral ambiguity, exploring themes of guilt, innocence, and the consequences of one's actions. The story provides a stark commentary on the nature of evil and the corrupting influence of crime and amorality. Through vivid and atmospheric prose, Greene paints a vivid picture of Brighton's underbelly, portraying the contrast between the town's lively facade and its darker, sinister side. The novel's setting becomes a reflection of the moral decay and desperation that permeates the characters' lives. Ultimately, "Brighton Rock" is a gripping and morally complex tale that delves into the depths of human depravity. It remains a timeless exploration of the human psyche, morality, and the struggle between good and evil in a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface.