Hamsun, Knut.

HUNGER

London: Leonard Smithers and Co., 1899. First English language edition. Publisher’s original grey cloth, stamped in black. Octavo, collating: x, 312, 15 (ads), [1] (publisher's device), complete. Very Good or a little better with spine toned, corners bumped and cloth a bit spotted/soiled. Oddly, the rear end paper is attached to the rear paste down, but this appears original to the book, so perhaps a publisher's error. First published in 1890 as "Sult" and first translated into English here by Mary Chavelita Dunne under the pseudonym George Edgerton.

A somewhat autobiographical novel of a destitute writer living in Oslo on a constant search for nourishment; a prototype for later novels of alienation, poverty and loneliness. Remarkable for its pychological maturity, focusing on the main character's sanity while highlighting a series of irrational, self-destructive acts. The book is considered one of the foundations of modern, 20th century literature, influencing such heavyweights as Ernest Hemingway, Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann, Henry Miller, Herman Hesse, and many others. A quick search of auction records reveals that a single copy of this first translation in wrappers sold in 1994 (copies of the first edition were available both in wrappers and cloth). A scarce and important work. Very Good (Item #1044)