Light in August
New York: Harrison Smith and Robert Haas, 1932.


Light in August
New York: Harrison Smith and Robert Haas, 1932. First edition. A Fine copy of the book in about Fine jacket and original publisher's glassine. Book Fine and unused with just a few spots of dust to the orange top-stain. Dust jacket exceptionally bright and fresh, but with slight wear to the edges of the flaps. Original glassine with a long tear at the front flap fold and some overall toning.
Written on the verge of the outbreak of World War II, William Faulkner’s Light in August examines complex moral issues and race dynamics within a conservative and prejudiced southern landscape. The story follows two strangers, Lena Grove and Joe Christmas, who move to Mississippi. Lena, a pregnant woman looking for the father of her unborn child, struggles for acceptance as Joe grapples with his suspected black heritage. Stylistically modern, Faulkner’s drama is non-linear and paints an unforgiving portrait of his protagonists and southern culture. In a contemporary review, The New York Times called Faulkner “a stylist of striking strength and beauty,” who had secured his place “in the very front rank of American writers of fiction.” Fine in about Fine dust jacket. (Item #5661)