August is a Wicked Month

First edition. Crown 8vo. Pp. 221, [1, blank]. Publisher's variant black cloth, lettered in gilt to spine. Jacket design by Lord Snowdon featuring "one of the best author photographs of the 20th century" according to The New York Times (priced 21s. net to front flap).

Lengthy inscribed dedication slip to noted autograph collector Peter B. Dyson, dated Jan. 3rd 1985, tipped in. The recipient amassed a remarkable collection of handwritten or signed material, including from all US Presidents and UK Prime Ministers. Spine tips pushed in, dustwrapper folds rubbed and lightly chipped, else Very Good.

Author's fourth book. After a celibate year, a young, liberated divorcée, attempts to reconnect to life through sexual adventure in the mid-sixties. Upon publication August Is a Wicked Month, as with most of O'Brien's early books, was banned in her native Ireland for its ground-breaking depictions of female sexuality. "A serious and moving piece of work." –The New York Times