The Power and the Glory by GREENE, Graham (1904-1991) - 1951

London: William Heinemann, 1951. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine+/Near Fine+. Second Impression, published same month as March 1940 first impression, of one of Greene's most sought after titles, a key text of the modern movement (Connolly). Crown 8vo (190 x 118mm): Publisher's yellow cloth, spine lettered in red, tan end papers; purple dust jacket, spine and upper cover lettered in black within decorated black border in white title block. An attractive near fine or better example, tightly bound and generally clean throughout (top edge dust-soiled); lightly rubbed and price-clipped jacket with brief wear to head of darkened spine panel. Awarded the 1941 Hawthornden Prize. Wobbe A16a and Miller 20 (for first impression). Burgess 99, p. 28 ("distinguished and serious art even when we have ceased to be affected by its theology"). Time 100. Connolly, pp. 81-82. The Power and the Glory was inspired by a trip Greene took to Mexico in 1938, after President Calles had ordered the country's churches closed and its Catholic priests exiled. Greene spent six weeks traveling through the provinces of Tabasco and Chiapas, where he saw the "gutted churches, the dusty mules, the rotting carrion, the vultures perched on squalid rooftops: all served his 'appalling vision of a world without God'. . . . The Power and the Glory is patterned like a thriller in that a Red Shirt police lieutenant hunts down a nameless 'whiskey priest' who tries to meet his religious obligations while being on the run. Although the priest is an ardent sinner, he illustrates the human spirit in service to God, which brings him to the level of sainthood." (Literary Encyclopedia) The Vatican was less than enthusiastic about Greene's portrayal. Thirteen years after his book was published, "the Church condemned it and insisted that Greene make changes. A sincere Catholic but also a dexterous operator, he replied that the copyright belonged to his publishers." (Time 100) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).