Barbara Pym – Some Tame Gazelle – First UK Edition 1950

A first edition, first printing of ‘Some Tame Gazelle’ published by Cape in 1950. A near fine book without inscriptions. A touch spotted to the page edges and to the endpapers. Sharpe corners bound in the original publisher’s oatmeal cloth. In a very good (or better) dust wrapper – this, the scarce first issue WITHOUT the reviews of the book to the rear panel. Lightly nicked to the edges – some rubbing to the edges.

Her first novel, ‘Some Tame Gazelle’ is a witty and gentle comedy of village life. Set in an English parish, it follows middle-aged sisters Belinda and Harriet Bede, whose lives revolve around local church and community affairs. Belinda, quietly sentimental, harbours a lifelong, unrequited affection for the pompous Archdeacon Hoccleve, while Harriet is exuberant and indulges in flirtations with young curates. Through humorous observations of clerical gossip, social visits, and small rituals, Pym highlights themes of unfulfilled longing, companionship, and the quiet dignity of everyday existence. The novel captures provincial life with irony, warmth, and understated charm.

Vanishingly scarce in the first issue dust wrapper. 

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