Hunter S. Thompson - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Signed First UK Edition

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, illustrated by Ralph Steadman. Published by Paladin, London, 1972. First Edition, First Printing — a paperback original; the UK edition was issued in softcover format only.

Signed by Ralph Steadman at the half-title — the autograph appears to be contemporary or near-contemporary with publication.

Few mass-market paperbacks over fifty years old survive in truly excellent condition, and this copy is no exception. It remains fairly square and tight with no reading creases to the spine. Some scrapes and creases along the edges of the front wrapper and at the fore-edge bottom corner; a few further tiny scrapes with minor loss of orange colour. Edges darkened; text block toned with some browning at the margins of the preliminary pages. The half-title — where Steadman has signed — is starting (separated approximately 50% down the page but still firmly attached). Free from owner names, foxing, or staining; not a grubby copy, but very much a well-aged example of a well-read book.

Quite far from Fine condition, but given the increasing scarcity of this first UK printing, a highly desirable example — particularly with Steadman’s signature.