First American edition of this early novel, the first in a cycle of four including The Flanders Road, The Palace, and Histoire, by the recipient of the 1985 Nobel Prize in Literature. Translated from the French by Richard Howard. NY: George Braziller, 1960. Octavo, 8-1/2 x 5-3/4 in. 216pp. Black cloth; red and white spine lettering and front panel design; dust jacket. Water exposure resulting in some loss of white decorative motif to spine and front board, and extensive black ink bleeding to interior front panel and spine of jacket (doesn't show through to exterior). Also two spots of black bleed to base of textblock. Otherwise a very good copy with former owner's name penned on ffep. Unclipped $3.75 jacket with several short closed edge tears and the aforementioned bleeding to interior, else very good. Reasonably presentable despite flaws.
