The Leopard

DJ covered in clear Mylar cover. Previous owner has sticker on the first colored fly leaf page, also another sticker of somesort was on the back but removed and residue of the paper/glue are left. The tape from the mylar protector has made marks on the inside/back pages. The book is free of any other writing/markings. In good/acceptable condition. This is the first American edition of an extraordinary story, translated [from the Italian] by Archibald Colquboun. Aristocrats trying to deal with a rapidly changing world. The protagonist, Don Fabrizio, Prince of Salina, is a middle aged aristocrat in 1860s Sicily. He has a large family, several palaces and a strong allegiance to the Bourbon dynasty King of Two Sicilies. The Prince's world is threatened by the ongoing unification of Italy by the northern King of Sardinia and his sometimes military ally, the charismatic General Garibaldi. As the novel opens, Garibaldi and his thousand volunteers have landed in Sicily and will soon oust the Bourbon king. The Prince sees Garibaldi as the devil incarnate, similar to the French revolutionaries. The Prince and the other characters, including his faithful dog, are vividly drawn and are portrayed as complex people. There's some very wry humor and vivid descriptions of Sicily and its people. A most enjoyable read and not to be missed. 1960. A10.