Publisher: Gollancz, 1959-1962

Edition: 1st UK 1st impression

Binding: Hardback

 In trademark yellow Gollancz jackets, this is a very rare offering of this Welsh writer's first three novels, which have gone on to define her work in several later re-editions.  These books are very scarce in their original first edition state. "The Small Mine" is signed and dedicated, in 1975.

These are Gallie's best works and were republished twice in the 2000s.  They are set in the close-knit coal mining community of her youth, perhaps taking Crynant in the Dulais Valley as inspiration, and the environment of the speculative 'private' mine, as relevant today as it ever was.

The books are very clean and tight with no markings.  A little tanning to text block edges.  Boards clean and fresh. In the jackets, some small scuffs and losses, especially to spine tops, but otherwise intact. A little grubby to rear in places.  No price clipping.

For a while, Menna Gallie was a 'forgotten' novelist - being Welsh and a woman didn't help her much in London publishing circles.  Nevertheless, with a revived interest in Welsh writing encouraged by initiatives such as the Writers of Wales series, she has returned, rightly, to the forefront.   

Menna Gallie was born in Ystradgynlais, in the upper Swansea Valley, and this is the (fictional) setting for novels such as Strike for a Kingdom and The Small Mine; this, in particular, allows Gallie to use minutely observed local custom and practice, very much like Dylan Thomas.  One chapter in The Small Mine begins with the incomparable 'Lil Cream Slices was buying navy-blue school knickers from Mrs Griffiths the Stockings..."

Book Condition: Fine

Jacket Condition: Very good

Price: £475.00

Item # 916