The Spear UK First

James Herbert. The Spear. New English Library 1978. First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine/Very Good. This a first printing of the UK first edition as indicated by the “First published in Great Britain by New English Library …. in 1978” statement with no subsequent printings mentioned. Sharp clean black boards, gold blocking to spine, white endpapers. Tail of spine very slightly flattened. A tight square standing clearly unread copy. Internally clean with no indication of previous ownership, store stamps etc. Pages somewhat age discoloured as you would expect. DJ is very decent. The very slightly sun faded spine is lightly rubbed at the head and tail. Front panel is clean showing only light edge wear and some rubbing to the tips of the flap folds. Back cover is clean showing a little light edge rubbing, the occasional faint pressure mark and rubbing to the tips of the flap folds. Rear flap shows edge wear to the top edge and a diagonal crease to the left corner. Front flap shows some light edge wear and the ghost of a price sticker at the bottom. The all important £4.95 price is intact. Overall a very collectable copy of one of Herbert’s earliest works and whilst not particularly uncommon very hard to find in unread condition and with a priced DJ (most were clipped).