Books

First edition, first impression, first issue, bound in black boards and with the wide-flapped dust jacket priced 16s. Though its violent content has shocked many, the novel remains among the most significant and enduring works of post-war British literature. It was the basis for the equally controversial 1971 Stanley Kubrick film, which led author and director to fear they had "opened a Pandora's box" (ODNB). In the second issue, the jacket flaps were trimmed and re-priced 18s. The third issue was released in purple boards with a decimal price sticker. Octavo. Original black boards, spine lettered in gilt, publisher's device on rear cover in blind. With dust jacket, designed by Barry Trengrove. Ownership inscription in red ink on front free endpaper. Minor spots on top edge and front endpapers, else fresh; jacket bright, notwithstanding the usual spine sunning, a little rubbing and couple of short closed tears, one discreetly repaired, ghosting from previous overprice sticker on front flap, not price-clipped: a near-fine copy in like jacket. Boytinck 75.

A Clockwork Orange is a dystopian novel by English writer Anthony Burgess, published in 1962. It is set in a near-future society that has a youth subculture of extreme violence. The teenage protagonist, Alex, narrates his violent exploits and his experiences with state authorities intent on reforming him.