James [J G] Farrell – The Empire Trilogy – [Comprising: Troubles/The Siege of Krishnapur/The Singapore Grip] First UK Editions 1970-1978

Description

A set of first edition, first printings published by Jonathan Cape and Weidenfeld and Nicolson between 1970 and 1978. All three novels by Farrell, constituting ‘The Empire Trilogy’, are generally considered only to be connected thematically, although the character of ‘Archer’, who appears in ‘Troubles’, makes an appearance in ‘The Singapore Grip’ also. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time all three first editions have been presented as a set. ‘Troubles’, published by Jonathan Cape in 1970, is a near fine book with the red top stain still present – the book has one name. In a very good+ wrapper which is unclipped (45s/£2.25 as called for) with some wear to the spine ends and rubbing to the edges and corners. Superb dust wrapper illustration by Bill Botten. ‘The Siege of Krishnapur’, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in 1973 (winner of the Booker Prize of that year) is a very good book with some spotting to the top edge, without inscriptions in a very good wrapper which is unclipped and has some wear in places with a closed tear to the foot of the front panel. ‘The Singapore Grip’, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in 1978, is a near fine book without inscriptions in a near fine wrapper which is not price clipped. Since ‘Troubles’ was announced as the ‘winner’ of the Lost Booker Prize of 1970, interest in Farrell’s work has risen dramatically. The trilogy exists as his legacy and displays his superb writing talent so tragically cut short in August 1979.