The Good Soldier Schweik

The First UK printing published by Heinemann, London in 1930. Illustrated by Joseph Lada and translated by Paul Selver. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition with the publisher's original red cloth and gilt titling. Some light splitting, pushing and light fading at the spine ends. Mild toning and spotting to the text-block. Light spotting to the prelims and to the extreme page edges in places due to the quality of the paper stock used. Mild offsetting to the black end-papers. Free from inscriptions. The very scarce WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good- condition. Some loss to the spine ends, corners and upper rear edge (see images). A closed tear with associated creasing to the rear panel. The red lettering to the spine has faded but remains very legible. Mild edge-wear in places. The wrapper presents very well in the removable Brodart archival cover. Lada's striking cartoonish B/W illustrations match the irreverent tone of the text. First published in Czechoslovakia, this title was issued in three volumes between 1921 and 1923. Hasek died shortly after starting the fourth of the intended six volumes. JSIC lists only six copies. The USA edition of this translation was published later in the same year. Selver's version of the text is famous for being abridged and edited to protect the sensibilities of the English-speaking world. The author's classic work is an unfinished collection of farcical incidents about a soldier in WW1 and a satire on the ineptitude of authority figures. The novel has been translated into over 60 languages, making it the most translated novel in Czech literature. Extremely scarce to find with a wrapper in any condition. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.