Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing First UK Printing Signed by Ralph Steadman

Written by Hunter S. Thompson, illustrated by Ralph Steadman.

Published in London by Paladin, 1972.

First Edition, First Printing, Softcover - A Paperback Original.

First thus, the UK edition which was published in paperback format only. '

Few mass-market paperbacks over 50 years old are going to be found in truly excellent condition and this copy is no exception. However, this example remains fairly square and tight and shows no reading creases to the spine, e.g.

Some scrapes and creases along the edges of the front wrapper and at the fore-edge bottom corner, a few further tiny scrapes resulting in loss of the orange colour also evident.

The edges are darkened and the block toned with some browning at the margins of the preliminary pages. The half-title (where Ralph Steadman has signed) is starting, that is to say is separated about 50% of the way down the page but is still firmly attached to the book.

Free from owner names, foxing or staining, it is not in anyway a grubby copy but is very much a used old book.

Ralph Steadman's autograph appears to be contemporary or near it. Quite far away from a Fine condition copy but given its scarcity nowadays, a desirable first edition - particularly with the illustrator's signature.