Published by Jonathan Cape, London; 2016.184pp. 8vo. First edition, first impression. Condition: Fine/Near Fine
Bound in original black cloth boards with title in red to the spine. The binding is square and tight and in excellent condition, with just a touch of bumping to the spine ends. Inside, the pages are clean and bright with no blemishes or marks to speak of, indeed it appears barely read, if at all.
The book is housed in its original dust jacket, which is in very smart condition, illustrated by Vladimir Zimokov. There are a few small marks to the rear and a little fading and bumping to the spine, but the jacket remains very smart and complements the book beautifully.
This lovely first edition by popular author, Julian Barnes, is the author's first novel since his Man Booker-winning 'The Sense of an Ending'. This novel offers an interesting insight into life in the Soviet Union during its turbulent evolution. It is a compact masterpiece, dedicated to the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich and his career. It would make for a particularly interesting read or the perfect addition to any modern firsts collection.