Orwell, George

8vo (217 x135mm.), first edition, one of 1,000 copies, original black cloth, dust-jacket, a hint of spotting to endpapers and jacket, OTHERWISE FINE

Alan Fortunoff Collection, sale  Bloomsbury Auctions, 4 June 2004, lot 441

Fenwick A.8a ("several copies destroyed in an air raid")

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A RARE COPY IN JACKET. Orwell explained his thinking behind the book in a letter to his publisher in January 1940: "What worries me at present is the uncertainty as to whether the ordinary people in countries like England grasp the difference between democracy and despotism well enough to want to defend their liberties. One can't tell until they see themselves menaced in some quite unmistakeable manner. The intellectuals who are at present pointing out that democracy and fascism are the same thing etc depress me horribly..." (quoted by Fenwick, p.89)