Edinburgh: Canongate, 1985. First thus; limited "definitive" edition, following the first edition of 1981. No. 195 of one thousand copies signed and numbered by Gray on the front free endpaper. Octavo (9.5 x 6.5 in.), 560pp., black textured paper boards, gilt-stamped on boards and spine, in dust jacket.
Gray's first book, over which he labored intermittently for more than two decades before finally seeing it through to publication in 1981. Something of a cult classic, though increasingly recognized as not only his masterpiece but one of the 20th century's most impressive feats of the imagination.
A near fine copy, with a ½ x ¼ in. oval moisture stain to textblock top. Unclipped "£15" jacket also near fine, with just mild sunning to spine. A handsome copy.
