Description
FIRST UNEXPURGATED UK EDITION, 8vo, pp. 316, [2]. Original wrappers printed in orange and black. Paper toned. Wrappers soiled and spine creased, some wear to spine ends.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
- London: Penguin Books 1960
£85
Notes
The first unexpurgated edition of Lawrence's final novel to be published in the UK. Penguin Books printed 200,000 copies, which sold out on the day of publication, August 16th, 1960. On the same day, Penguin sent a dozen copies to authorities, and were subsequently issued a summons. An obscenity trial took place 20th October- 2nd November 1960, ultimately ruling in favour of the publisher, and laying groundwork for a more liberal publishing landscape. The immediate second printing was much larger - by Christmas 1960 Penguin had sold some 2 million copies - and this first is rather scarce.
