Books

Chatto & Windus. First UK edition published by Chatto & Windus in 1930. This is a very good or better copy. The wrapper has small amounts of loss to the top and bottom of the spine. There are two splits to the edge of the inside flap. There is a couple of small chips to the corners along with a tear to the inside lower flap. There are two tiny holes to the spine. Overall though, the jacket is fairly complete and not price clipped. The panels are clean and without marks. The book is in excellent condition, with only a bumped top corner for wear and some light sporadic foxing to the side text block. The dark green top stain is bright and the pages are very clean. Overall a very good or better copy.  Faulkner's first novel, originally published in the US in 1926, it wouldn't be until 1930 that it was published in the UK and most likely in a small print run. The novel on the front wrapper exclaims "Not a War Book", it follows a wounded aviator's return home,…

"Soldiers' Pay" by William Faulkner explores the post-World War I landscape through the experiences of returning soldiers grappling with the harrowing effects of war trauma. The narrative orbits around Captain Donald Mahon, whose physical injuries and emotional scars from the war have left him disillusioned and estranged from his pre-war existence. Mahon's return to his hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi, reveals the stark contrast between his altered self and the unchanged community around him. His struggles with the horrors of war, coupled with the inability to reintegrate into civilian life, manifest in his strained relationships and emotional detachment. The novel intertwines Mahon's story with those of other characters, notably Joe Gilligan, a fellow soldier whose loyalty and friendship become a lifeline for Mahon amidst his inner turmoil. The narrative also explores the impact of war on Mahon's family and acquaintances, reflecting the broader societal effects of the war's aftermath. Faulkner delves deep into the psychological toll of war, portraying themes of loss, disillusionment, and the haunting memories that haunt soldiers long after the conflict ends. The novel serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by returning veterans and the difficulties they encounter in reconciling their wartime experiences with civilian life. Through evocative prose and multi-layered characters, Faulkner paints a compelling portrait of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war, exploring the themes of trauma, alienation, and the search for meaning and connection in a world forever altered by the ravages of conflict. "Soldiers' Pay" stands as a powerful testament to the human cost of war and the profound impact it leaves on those who bear its scars.

A Boni & Liveright first edition of 'Soldiers' Pay' can be identified by its dark green cloth cover with a lighter green cloth spine, and the presence of 'Boni & Liveright' on the spine and title page, along with the absence of additional printings mentioned.