Paris: Obelisk Press, 1939

8vo, pp. 367. Original illustrated wrappers with flaps. Edges uncut. Errata slip tipped in at title page. Light creasing to (oversize) wrappers, spine browned and with a small closed tear to head, and just beginning to start from text block.

First edition, first impression. One of 1000 copies.

As noted on the verso of the half-title Tropic of Capricorn was scheduled for publication in February 1939. But its release was delayed by three months, and as a result few copies were sold before the death of Obelisk proprietor Jack Kahane and the outbreak of the Second World War in September that year. The bulk of the first edition was sold only when Kahane’s son Maurice Girodias reopened Obelisk for business after the war: as a result of the devalued post-war franc, these copies have the printed price (60 francs) on the spine and flaps inked out. This is one such copy.

A very good example of a fragile book.