Books

New York: The Viking Press, 1938., 1938. First edition. First edition. The U. S. edition precedes the U. K. edition. Original red cloth with black and silver band at the top, cloth lightly rubbed else near fine tight copy in dust jacket with light wear to the spine ends and corners, extremities rubbed, rear pastedown sheet lightly toned, small chip to top edge of rear cover panel resulting in a loss to the last letter of the title. Still a better than usual copy of this Haycraft-Queen "Cornerstone" mystery novel. Pinkie Brown is a small-town hoodlum whose gang runs a protection racket based at Brighton race course. When Pinkie orders the murder of a rival, Fred, the police believe it to be suicide. This doesn't convince Ida Arnold, who was with Fred just before he died, and she sets out to find the truth. She comes across naive waitress Rose, who can prove that Fred was murdered. In an attempt to keep Rose quiet Pinkie marries her. But with his gang beginning to doubt his…

"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.

The true first edition of 'Brighton Rock' was published by William Heinemann in 1938 and can be identified by dark blue or black cloth boards with gilt lettering. The dust jacket features a band of bright colors, designed by Eric Kennington.