Golding, William (1954) ‘Lord of the Flies’, UK first edition with a signed paperback

William Golding (1954) ‘Lord of Flies‘, UK first edition, first printing, published by Faber and Faber. Beautifully rebound in full burgundy leather. In addition, a paperback copy of ‘Lord of Flies’, signed and inscribed by Golding: “For Geoffrey Hitchcock, From William Golding, with gratitude!”. Geoffrey Hitchcock was director of the British Council in France. In May 1976 Golding travellevd to France and Paris to give a few lectures. Geoffrey Hitchcock looked after him during that visit and therfore Golding inscribed him a paperback copy ‘with gratitide’ (see John Carey 2010 ‘William Golding: the Man Who Wrote Lord of the Flies’). A nice association. Any signed ‘Lord of Flies’ copies are rare.

Rebound first edition details: full burgundy leather; raised bands on the spine, gilded lettering, and fittingly embossed flies into the leather. Nice endpapers. The rebound job was done by a master craftsman from the trade who teaches book binding. Condition: internally clean and presents fine. ‘Lord of Flies’ had an initial first print run of 3,000 copies only.

Paperback copy: It is a 21st impression from 1975. In very good condition with some foxing and shelf wear as seen. Spine unbroken.

‘Lord of Flies’ would contribute immensely to Golding’s 1983 Nobel Prize which awarded “for his novels which, with the perspicuity of realistic narrative art and the diversity and universality of myth, illuminate the human condition in the world of today”. The book is being read in schools and belongs to the canon of 20th century world literature.