The Razor's Edge

New York: Doubleday, Doran & Co, 1944 . First edition. Cloth. Near Fine/Very Good Indeed. 8.5" by 6". None. The first trade edition of W. Somerset Maugham's important novel, in the publisher's original price unclipped dust wrapper. The first US trade edition of W. Somerset Maugham's celebrated novel, following Larry Darrell, an American pilot traumatized by his experiences in World War I. The first issue, with the $2.75 price to head of front flyleaf of the publisher's original dust wrapper. The first edition after a limited edition printing published by Doubleday two days prior, this is the first trade edition of the novel, published prior to the UK first edition.The story begins through the eyes of Larry's friends and acquaintances as they witness his personality change after the war. His rejection of conventional life and search for meaningful experience allows him to thrive, while more materialistic characters suffer reversals of fortune. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with price unclipped dust wrapper. Shelf wear to back strip head and tail. Minor mark to tail of dust wrapper rear wrap, with two small closed tears to head of back strip. Minor edge wear to back strip head and tail. Internally, firmly bound. Near Fine