Published by Jonathan Cape, London; 2019. 8vo. pp. 319. First edition, first impression. Condition: Fine/Fine
Bound in original blue boards with title in silver to the spine. The binding is square and tight and in clean, bright condition with no damage or marks to speak of, save a hint of bumping to the spine ends. Inside, the pages are clean and bright, in beautiful condition, free from blemishes or wear. The book appears barely read.
The book is housed in an equally smart dust jacket. There is a touch of bumping to the edges, but it is otherwise in excellent condition.
In all, this is a lovely example of this modern first edition by Ian McEwan, a subversive novel in which McEwan asks whether a machine can understand the human heart - or whether we are the ones that lack understanding. Set in an alternative 1980s London. Charlie, drifting through life, is in love with Miranda, a bright student with a terrible secret. When he comes in to some money, Charlie buys Adam, one of the first synthetic humans and - with Miranda's help - designs his personality. The near perfect human that emerges is beautiful, strong and clever. It isn't long before a love triangle forms, and these three beings confront a profound moral dilemma (blurb).