A Severed Head

New York: The Viking Press , 1961. First edition. Cloth. Very Good Indeed/Very Good Indeed. 8.5" by 5.5". None. First U.S edition of Iris Murdoch's compelling satirical novel 'A Severed Head' First thus, First U.S Edition. This satirical novel by Iris Murdoch follows the protagonist Martin Lynch-Gibbon through adultery, divorce and failed love affairs. Considered less philosophical than some of her other works, Murdoch's fifth novel is one that captures the highs and lows of the middle classes. 'A Severed Head' is regarded by many as Murdoch's most entertaining novel. Iris Murdoch was a British novelist and philosopher, born in Ireland. Primarily her novels focus on themes of morality, spirituality and sexuality. A prominent philosopher, she is now increasingly accredited for her work in the field of philosophy, most notably her work on the reinterpretation of Aristotle and Plato, as well as her discussions of moral philosophy. In her lifetime Murdoch wrote 26 novels, as well of a series of short stories and several philosophical papers. In original quarter cloth binding and held in original unclipped dustwrapper. Externally, very smart. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spine. Minor bumping to the head of the rear board. Some spotting to the top edge. Small amount offsetting to both the front and rear endpapers. Dustwrapper is also very smart with a small amount of bumping to the head and tail of the spine. Small amount of rubbing to the joints, and edges, as well as to the head and tail of the spine. Some sunning to the spine. Small amount of spotting to the front and rear flyleaves. Offsetting internally to the wrap. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Very Good Indeed