The Italian Girl

London: Chatto & Windus, 1964. First edition. Cloth. Very Good Indeed/Very Good Indeed. 8" by 5.5". None. A lovely first edition of this early work by noted philosophical author, Iris Murdoch. The first edition of the work. In the original unclipped dust wrapper. The work tells the story of Edmund, a man who has escaped from his family into a very isolated life. He returns for his mother's funeral and is swept up into an array of problems. Edmund then rediscovers their family servant, who is referred to as the 'Italian girl'. Iris Murdoch was a popular twentieth century novelist and philosopher. Her novels primarily touch on themes of good and evil, sexual relationships, morality and the power of the unconscious. A prominent philosopher, one of her most notable works is considered to be the reinterpretation of Aristotle and Plato, as well as her discussions of moral philosophy. In her lifetime Murdoch wrote 26 novels, as well of a series of short stories and several philosophical papers. In the original cloth binding in the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally in excellent condition with minor shelf wear only. Dust wrapper is very smart with shelf wear to the extremities and the odd handling mark to the wrap. Slightly cocked. Prior owner's contemporary ink inscription to front pastedown. Offsetting to pastedowns. Internally firmly bound. Pages bright and clean with marginal age toning due to paper used. Prior owner's contemporary ink inscription and age toning to the front pastedown. Very Good Indeed