A lovely copy of the rare true UK 1st printing of this classic novel (only his 2nd book, after 1975 debut fantasy novel 'Grimus ') from the acclaimed Anglo-Indian author Sir Salman Rushdie (b. 1947).   The story, divided into three parts, is a loose allegory for events in 1947 British India and after the partition of India.  The protagonist and narrator of the story is Saleem Sinai, born at the exact moment India became an independent country.




This book won the Booker Prize in 1981, as well as winning that year's James Tait Black Memorial Prize.  It was named as the 'Booker of Bookers ' in 1993 for the prize's 25th anniversary event and was also named as the 'Best of Booker' for the prize's 40th anniversary event in 2008.  






'Midnight's Children ' published by Jonathan Cape in London in 1981, 1st edition/1st printing, large modern hardback, 448 pages.





This is the true 1st UK printing of the book, which unusually is shown as having been printed in the USA.  Some time after the proof copies were prepared, Cape realised that they were working off an earlier draft of the book rather than the final version.  As a result, in order to meet the tight deadline for publication of the first printing of the UK edition, Cape acquired sheets from the US publisher (Knopf) and issued appropriate new title/copyright pages.


Internally in fine condition, a carefully read example, the fore-edge of the book has a deckled finish in light of being the US sheets from Knopf.  Neat owner initials to front endpaper.


Externally in near fine condition, quarter bound in maroon cloth over grey boards, titled in silver to the spine, author initials in silver to front board.  Light wear to cloth at head of spine.  Light bumping to front upper corner.  Browning to the bottom edge of both front and rear boards. 


Dustjacket in near fine condition, unclipped at £6.95 net, some crinkling at the head of the spine and upper front corner (per wear to book), the blue element of the dustjacket sees fading to the spine and the surrounding area of the front and rear panels as is often the case.






** A lovely copy of the true UK 1st printing of this key Booker Prize winning novel, undoubtedly one of the most important novels of the latter half of the 20th Century.  This would be a welcome addition to any bibliophile's library **




** The handful of comparable copies presently listed globally on Ebay, ABEBooks etc start from £600 upwards **









Born at the stroke of midnight at the exact moment of India's independence, Saleem Sinai is a special child.





However, this coincidence of birth has consequences he is not prepared for: telepathic powers connect him with 1,000 other 'midnight's children' all of whom are endowed with unusual gifts.  Inextricably linked to his nation, Saleem's story is a whirlwind of disasters and triumphs that mirrors the course of modern India at its most impossible and glorious.






* WINNER OF THE 1981 BOOKER PRIZE AND THE 'BEST OF THE BOOKER' PRIZE *












Estimated non-UK postage costs by signed for airmail delivery - Europe £20, Japan/Canada £37, Aus/NZ £36, US £37.   Additional books can always be added to a combined order for an additional postage cost based on extra 0.25kg bands of weight, with an extra postage cost per extra 0.25kg of £1.20 for Europe / £2.00 everywhere else - please contact if any questions.



 
 
 
 
 
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