Books

First edition, first impression, first issue jacket (without "second impression" or reviews on the front flap), uncommon in such sharp condition. This, the first instalment of the Gormenghast Trilogy, is a cornerstone of post-war fantasy literature. "It is uniquely brilliant", remarked Anthony Burgess in his introduction to the 1998 edition, "and we are right to call it a modern classic". Octavo. Original red cloth, spine lettered and tooled in gilt. With the Peake designed dust jacket. A little rubbing and a few bumps to extremities, light rubbing to foot of front cover and tiny marks to head of rear, light foxing to edges and rear pastedown. A very good copy indeed in like jacket, toned, spine ends a little chipped, corners nicked and rubbed, nick to foot of rear panel, small splash mark to rear and spine panels and a few marks to head of front, unclipped, notably sharp.

Titus Groan is the first novel in the Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake. It tells the story of the eponymous castle, the Groan family who inhabits it, and the servants and retainers who fill its halls. It paints a richly detailed picture of a gothic landscape and the bizarre rituals and traditions that dominate the lives of its characters.