Doting

London: Hogarth Press, 1952. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine+/Fine-. First Impression of the author's final novel. Small 8vo: [4],252pp. Publisher's aquamarine cloth, spine lettered in gold, top edge stained yellow; Lynton Lamb illustrated dust jacket, priced 11s/6d. Better than Near Fine (dust-soiled top edge, front edge lightly spotted, but binding square and tight), pages clean and unmarked; about Fine jacket (tips of spine panel lightly rubbed). A collectible copy. Written almost entirely in dialogue (a technique that has drawn much appreciative comment), Henry Green's comedy of manners exposes the deceptive difference between those who love and those who "dote." Stuck in a passionless marriage, a middle-aged, upper-middle class man living in post-World War II London becomes infatuated with a much younger woman. Their relationship sets into motion a series of intertwining affairs among five close friends less concerned with love than with their attempts to keep the other lovers apart. "Green's later years were characterized by depression, heavy drinking, and destabilising affairs. . . . What was desultory or even sordid in Green's private life, however, again provided grist for his creative mill." (Literary Encyclopedia) Note: With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed.