Publisher: Victor Gollancz, 1959-1969

Edition: 1st UK, 1st and 2nd impressions

Binding: Hardback

Very rare, highly collectable and desirable set of the first three novels in what became known as the Mortymer saga.  Through several generations of this family, Cordell skilfully paints a very vivid picture of the nascent industrial Wales and how people react to the massive and swirling changes overtaking them.  Highly readable, if not melodramatic in parts, but very well-researched and, commendably, geographically and historically very accurate. Very rare to have an almost complete signed set. "Rape of the Fair Country" in 2nd impression is dedicated and signed by the author on the rear of the front endpaper to Jim Jenkins 'with kind thanks for the overdraft.'   An included newspaper clipping from the Weekly Argus review of 17 January 1959 talks of a 'vivid tale...of slavery, brutality, immortality and drunkenness..." A later press clipping of 1963 talks of Cordell's impending emigration to Hong Kong. "Hosts of Rebecca" is signed on the front endpaper. There is some tanning to page edges.  expected, age-related atrophy.  No marks or inscriptions. Jackets suffer some losses to the first two books. They have survived well given the poor quality paper of the early wrappers. Two of the three books re first impression.

Book Condition: Very good

Jacket Condition: Very good

Price: £525.00

Item # 819