"THE FIRST THING MISS JUDITH HEARNE UNPACKED IN HER NEW LODGINGS WAS THE SILVER-FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH OF HER AUNT…"

MOORE, Brian. Judith Hearne. (London): Andre Deutsch, (1955). Octavo, original burgundy paper boards, original dust jacket. $950.

First edition of this "short book about a lifetime of longing" (NPR), the basis for the film starring Maggie Smith.

Rejected by ten American publishing houses before its eventual British publication, this work by Northern Irish-Canadian author Brian Moore caught the attention of critics almost immediately. Colm Tóibín praised it as "is full of Joycean moments," noting its similarity to "Clay" from Dubliners, while The Globe and Mail—presumably no stranger to bleakness in Canadian fiction—labeled it "a bleak post-Catholic novel." Ann Leary for NPR raved: "Moore uses brilliant economy in his writing; it's as if words are as scarce and precious as sunshine in this gloomy section of postwar Belfast."

Book very nearly fine, dust jacket near-fine with light rubbing and mild toning to extremities. A handsome copy.