Publisher: New York: Harper, 1959; 1962

Edition: 1st US editions 1st impressions (both)

Binding: Hardback

This is a rare offering of this Welsh writer's two 'mining' novels, which have gone on to define her work in several later re-editions.  These books are scarce in a first edition state in such good condition. Interestingly, these American editions are more lavishly produced than the rather more utilitarian UK Gollancz offerings. The jackets are outstanding: from the unusual critical appreciations to one, and the modernist drawing of coffin-like miners' row to the other.

These are Gallie's best known works and were republished several times in the 2000s, with various critical introductions and appreciations.  The novels are set in the close-knit coal mining community of the author's 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.

Menna Gallie was born in Ystradgynlais, in the upper Swansea Valley, and this area is the 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...".  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.   
Condition of books is overall very good: Strike: Very good: some tanning starting to page edges; tanning evident to text block edges especially top edge. Mine: Fine, very clean and tight example
In the jackets, Strike: Very good; some loss to spine extremities and spine. Mine: Near fine - just very small nicks to spine extremities.

Book Condition: Very good

Jacket Condition: Very good

Price: £285.00

Item # 969