Books

8vo. First edition, first impression. Original red cloth, gilt. Title page headpiece and d/w by the author. Small indentation to top corner of front board. Gilt on spine somewhat dulled as usual. D/w chipped to head of spine, with small loss to 'Titus', and with tiny wear to top corner tips. D/w tanned on spine and back panel. Contents clean and fresh with no markings. Near fine in very good + dust-wrapper. The dust-wrapper is the first impression with '15s Net' and no reviews. The first book in the 'Gormenghast' trilogy introduces Titus, the seventy-seventh Earl of Groan, and the riotous massing of the castle in which stultified tradition staggers on and provides room enough for the murderous rivalry of Flay and Swelter and the evil designs of Steerpike.

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.