Jilly Cooper – Rivals – First UK Edition 1988

A first edition, first printing of ‘Rivals’ by Jilly Cooper, published by Bantam Press in 1988. A near fine book without inscriptions, marred only by a dink to the fore-edge (causing a similar one to the front panel of the dust wrapper). The dust wrapper is not price clipped and shows a rather pugilistic Dame Jilly in a rather fetching knit.

Jilly Cooper is a British author renowned for her witty, romantic, and scandal-filled novels, often set against the backdrop of England’s elite social circles. Her most popular work, ‘Rivals’, published in 1988, is part of her “Rutshire Chronicles” series, which explores the lives, loves, and power struggles among the British upper class.

‘Rivals’ revolves around the drama of television personalities and media moguls in the fictional county of Rutshire, especially focusing on the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black, a charming yet ruthless aristocrat, and Declan O’Hara, a principled but fiery Irish television producer. The novel dives into the glamour, passion, and competition that define their lives, blending romance with biting satire. With its colourful characters, humour, and scandalous twists, ‘Rivals’ captures the escapist fun and complex relationships for which Cooper’s novels are beloved. It remains a classic in the genre of romantic and social satire. Brilliantly filmed by Disney+, starring Tennant, Turner and that lass from The Inbetweeners….. 

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