The Hard Life

O'Brien, Flann. Penguin Books, 1977. Softbound. An anti-bildungsroman written, according to one critic, in an attempt to provoke censors, the first printing of The Hard Life sold out in Dublin in less than 48 hours and elicited positive reviews from Graham Greene (to whom the book is dedicated) and Anthony Burgess (who compared the novel to the works of James Joyce). Features a cover by prolific Penguin designer Neil Stuart, who is known for his iconic tessellated image created for Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and his ocular ultra-close-up for William S. Burroughs's Junky.

Tight, square, uncreased spine. Former owner name to first (promotional) leaf, but interior is else clean and unmarked. Some toning to interior, as well as some light to moderate edge-wear and gently bumped corners. 157 pp. Featured Rare & Collectible.