Tobias Wolff – Ugly Rumours – First UK Edition 1975

First edition, first printing. Published by George Allen and Unwin, 1975. This is a very good copy. The dust wrapper, bright and clean, is finely illustrated. It has not been price clipped. There is a little rubbing to the spine tips and corners as well as a faint stain to the top of the rear panel and flap. This copy is free from inscriptions, although there is a faint stain to the page edges, but is, overall, in very good condition.

A darkly comedic and satirical novel that chronicles the experiences of two American soldiers, William and Joseph, during the Vietnam War. Unlike typical war stories, Wolff’s narrative focuses less on combat and more on the absurdities, contradictions, and moral ambiguities of military life. The novel delves into themes of disillusionment, identity, and the surreal nature of modern warfare. It reflects Wolff’s keen observations about human nature and societal hypocrisy, blending wit with bleak realism. Though rarely discussed compared to his later works, *Ugly Rumours* showcases Wolff’s early talent for sharp, thought-provoking storytelling.