This is a beautiful collection of Jean Rhys vintage paperbacks from the 1970s and 1980s, with mesmerizing cover portraits by Sue Wilks. This collection of Rhys' best work includes six novels and one short story collection (Sleep It Off Lady). All books were originally published between 1928-1976. Conditions range from good to near fine. See below for a detailed description of each pocket book.
Jean Rhys was a British novelist who grew up on the island of Dominica. She relocated to Paris in the 1920s; travelling as a Bohemian artist, educating herself and engaging in modern art and literature. The challenges of moving through a patriarchal society in this time; including feelings of displacement and gender oppression would later be incorporated into Rhys best work.
Rhys is best known for her masterpiece, Wide Sargasso Sea (1966), which was written as a feminist prequel to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Quartet was her first novel, originally published in 1928. It is a roman à clef based on her extramarital affair and acrimonious break-up with her literary mentor Ford Madox Ford. Good Morning, Midnight (1939), is a modernist, experimental novel addressing a woman's feelings of depression, vulnerability, and loneliness during the years between the two World Wars.
In a 1974 New York Times Book Review written appreciation, A. Alvarez called Jean Rhys “quite simply, the best living English novelist".
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Wide Sargasso Sea, 1982. Some scratches to spine and edges. No markings inside. Good condition.
After Leaving Mr Mackenzie, 1977. No markings. Near fine.
Voyage in the Dark, 1984. Small black remainder mark on bottom edge. No markings inside. Very good condition.
Tigers are Better Looking, 1972. Some creasing to corners of cover. Some rubbing, light scratches. Three small spots on fore edge. No markings inside. Good condition.
Quartet, 1977. Some spine creasing and light scratches. Previous owner's name on inside cover. No other markings. Good condition.
Sleep It Off Lady, 1980. Some light wear to spine. No markings inside. Good condition.
Good Morning, Midnight, 1984. Very light shelfwear. Small black remainder mark on bottom edge. No markings inside. Very good condition.