LAWRENCE, D.H. THE RAINBOW, DUST-JACKET, 1915 (1 VOL.)

8vo (190 x 120mm.), FIRST EDITION, original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt, original pictorial dust-jacket with design by Frank Wright, morocco-backed folding box, some light wear to inner hinges, dust-jacket lightly frayed at edges and corners

Roberts A7

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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 FINE COPY AND RARE IN THE DUST-JACKET. Published on 30 September 1915, the first printing consisted of 2,527 copies, of which several remained unbound. About 1,195 copies were destroyed as the result of court action about six weeks after publication.  Lawrence had revised or amended this important book many times and Methuen had demanded last minute revisions prior to publication, of which Lawrence agreed to implement only minor amendments. The police impounded all the copies they could locate and Methuen was summonsed to court under the Obscene Publications Act. The novel's religious language, emotional and sexual explorations of experience, and sheer length had given its readers problems, "but it was Ursula's lesbian encounter with a schoolteacher in the chapter 'Shame' which had finally condemned it in the eyes of the law and of a country now focused on conflict: 'A thing like The Rainbow has no right to exist in the wind of war', one review had said (Kinkead-Weekes, 277)" (John Worthen, Oxford DNB). Feeling profoundly rejected Lawrence and his wife Frieda sought temporary refuge in Cornwall, before seeking to escape the country.