Published by Granta Books, London; 2018. 8vo. 322pp. First edition, first impression. Condition: Fine/Near Fine
Bound in original cream cloth boards with title in gilt to the spine. The binding is square and tight and in excellent condition, with no marks or damage to note, save a hint of bumping to the spine ends. Inside, the pages are clean and bright, free from blemishes and wear.
The book is housed in its original, first issue, dust jacket. It is in smart condition, with minor shelf wear to the spine ends, with one small tear to the rear top edge.; Aside from this, it is vibrant and bright with no other damage or marking.
In all, this is a smart example of this modern first by Amy Sackville. Captivating, layered and rich, this is a novel of brilliance, imagination and sheer style - about what is shown and what is seen about art and death and life. It follows Diego Velazquez, a 23 year old painter, from his arrival at Kin Philip IV of Spain's court, to his death 38 years and scores of paintings later. In this audacious novel, we see life at court through his eyes as it slowly collapses under the weight of its own excess. And we see an intimate relationship that is not quite a friendship, between a king and his subject, between an artist and his subject (blurb).