Seven Gothic Tales

London: Putnam, 1934. First Impression. Hardcover. Fine. The uncommon First British Edition of Isak Dinesen's first book. Thick 8vo: [6],522pp, with full-color frontispiece (repeating dust jacket design) by Rex Whistler. Publisher's cinnamon colored cloth, spine lettered in gilt; illustrated dust jacket, priced 7s / 6d. About Fine (spine ends bumped, top edge slightly dust soiled); about Fine jacket (spine panel lightly toned). A scarce survival. Blixen's first book, published first in the United States under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen. These intricate and imaginative tales, all set in the nineteenth century, won wide acclaim in America and soon appeared in this edition in Britain and then in Denmark (as Syv fantastiske fortællinger). "Since her pseudonym was quickly penetrated, she published under her own name in every country, except the United States, where 'Isak Dinesen' swiftly became a valuable brand. Among the main stylistic influences on Blixen's tales can be counted the English gothic novel, German Romanticism, Boccacio's Decameron, and The Arabian Nights. When asked why she set her tales over a hundred years in the past, Blixen responded that the past could be more easily recompounded in her imagination, and she would not be forced to resort to realism. " (Literary Encyclopedia) Note: With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed.