C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces, 1956 First Edition, Second Impression

A desirable early copy of one of C.S. Lewis's most important works of fiction, Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold, published by Geoffrey Bles in London in 1956.

This is the first edition, second impression, printed in September 1956, the very same month as the first impression. The copyright page states:

"First published September 1956 / Reprinted September 1956."

The book retains its correct original second impression dust jacket, with "Second Impression" printed in red at the top of the front flap. The striking black, yellow, white and orange jacket artwork is signed BIGGS 56 on the front panel and is one of the most recognizable features of the original British edition.

Till We Have Faces was Lewis's final novel and his deeply personal reinterpretation of the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche. Rather than simply retelling the ancient story, Lewis explores love, jealousy, faith, reason and humanity's relationship with the divine through the perspective of Psyche's sister Orual. Lewis considered the story for decades before finally publishing it in 1956.

Condition

Book: Very Good to Very Good+. Original blue hardcover binding remains attractive, with a firm text block and clean, well-preserved interior. Pages show light age toning and occasional minor spotting consistent with age.

Dust Jacket: Good to Good+. The original 1956 Biggs dust jacket is price clipped and shows considerable but honest age-related wear, including rubbing, edge wear, small chips and tears, creasing, toning, foxing and staining, particularly to the rear panel and flaps. Wear and small losses are also present around the spine ends and corners.

Despite these faults, the jacket remains substantially complete. The dramatic illustrated front panel presents particularly well, retains strong color, and clearly displays the BIGGS 56 signature.