Old Man and the Sea, The – Ernest Hemingway
VG/G colophon

For sale: a rare and exceptional first edition, second printing hardcover copy of The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. First Edition unstated, 1952 Scribner with colophon. Scribner’s did not use a number line for the First Edition – only in later reprints after 1990. The first printing of OLD MAN had both a colophon and the letter ‘A.’ This is the presumed second printing with the colophon present with no letter ‘A.’

The book is in Very Good+ condition with light blue boards with light fading at edges. Also, strong silver title gilt on the lightly sunned spine, clean page blocks, tight binding, moderate to heavy spine tilt, rolled spine ends, mild edge wear, and rounded and lightly rubbed corners. The interior of the book is in Very Good condition with moderate staining on the front and rear seams. No other marks or inscriptions inside. The interior pages are clean and lightly toned, making it an excellent addition to any collection.

The dust jacket is in Very Good- condition with heavy edge wear, chips and gaps to spine ends and flap seams. Dust Jacket is a later issue with $3.00 price intact and announcement of 1954 Nobel Prize on both the rear and front flap.  Looks attractive in a new Brodart archival wrap.

The last novel Ernest Hemingway saw published, The Old Man and the Sea has proved to be one of the most enduring works of American fiction. It is the story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his supreme ordeal: a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.