W. Somerset Maugham - Then and Now - 1946

W. Somerset Maugham – Then and Now – William Heinemann – 1946 – First UK Edition – with original dust jacket
First British edition of Then and Now, a historical novel by the famous British author W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965), published by William Heinemann Ltd., London & Toronto, in 1946.
The copyright page explicitly states “FIRST PUBLISHED 1946,” which makes this copy identifiable as the first British edition.
Then and Now is set in Renaissance Italy and is inspired by a diplomatic mission of Niccolò Machiavelli to Cesare Borgia. Maugham blends historical events with his characteristic psychological observations and keen insight into human motives, power, and politics.
Particularly appealing about this copy is the presence of the original dust jacket, executed in cream and green/blue with the author’s name and title in large typography. The dust jacket is, for books from this period, an important component of collector’s value and is missing on many preserved copies.
The book itself is in the original blue linen publisher’s binding with gold stamping. The interior is well preserved and looks clean.
The original dust jacket shows clear but appropriate signs of aging and use, including wear and small damage to edges, corners, and the top and bottom edges. The jacket, however, is largely complete and presents itself attractively. See the photos for an accurate impression of condition.
Specifications
Author: W. Somerset Maugham
Title: Then and Now – A Novel
Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd.
Place: London / Toronto
Year: 1946
Edition: First UK Edition / eerste Britse editie
Language: English
Binding: original linen publisher’s binding
Dust jacket: original, present
An attractive first British edition of a novel by one of the most important and internationally read British authors of the twentieth century, with the original dust jacket still present.