The Mixture as Before -
William Somerset Maugham
1940 - William Heinemann Ltd, London & Toronto - First Edition
A superb example of the first edition of this short story collection, the tone prone dust jacket bright and with the scarce wrap around band not noted in either bibliography.
“Maugham, somewhat ironically, took the title of this book from a review in ‘The Times’ of his last volume of short stories which was headed ‘The Mixture as Before’.” [Stott]
‘A top ranking story teller presents another grand collection, not a poor one in the lot. Maugham's expert craftsmanship is at is best in this medium, I think. These stories stem from other backgrounds than his familiar Far East setting, with England, the Continent and French Guiana as the basis. There are human interest bits, brief drama, humour; some have an O'Henry twist to the end; all show thorough understanding and sympathy with his fellow man.’ [Kirkus Reviews]. One of 15,000 copies published 6 June 1940.
Reference: Stott, A Bibliography of the Works of W. Somerset Maugham A58a.
Octavo (book size 19.7x13.5cm) pp. [2] ix [1] 288 [4]. In publisher’s Persian blue linen-grain cloth, lettered in gilt to spine and front, publisher lettered in black to tail of spine, blocked in black on front board with author’s symbol and on back with publisher’s windmill device, chalk blue endpapers, top edge stained blue. Dust jacket price clipped lower corner of front flap. Publisher’s navy blue promotional wraparound band with ‘Book Society Choice’ to front spine and rear, colour matching dark blue panels of dust jacket. Condition: Near fine, toning to spine, light wear to spine ends, in bright sharp price-clipped dust jacket, a few small short closed tears and wrikles along the top edge, wraparound band in fine condition. Ref: 110348 Price: HK$ 4,500
“Maugham, somewhat ironically, took the title of this book from a review in ‘The Times’ of his last volume of short stories which was headed ‘The Mixture as Before’.” [Stott]
‘A top ranking story teller presents another grand collection, not a poor one in the lot. Maugham's expert craftsmanship is at is best in this medium, I think. These stories stem from other backgrounds than his familiar Far East setting, with England, the Continent and French Guiana as the basis. There are human interest bits, brief drama, humour; some have an O'Henry twist to the end; all show thorough understanding and sympathy with his fellow man.’ [Kirkus Reviews]. One of 15,000 copies published 6 June 1940.
Reference: Stott, A Bibliography of the Works of W. Somerset Maugham A58a.
Octavo (book size 19.7x13.5cm) pp. [2] ix [1] 288 [4]. In publisher’s Persian blue linen-grain cloth, lettered in gilt to spine and front, publisher lettered in black to tail of spine, blocked in black on front board with author’s symbol and on back with publisher’s windmill device, chalk blue endpapers, top edge stained blue. Dust jacket price clipped lower corner of front flap. Publisher’s navy blue promotional wraparound band with ‘Book Society Choice’ to front spine and rear, colour matching dark blue panels of dust jacket. Condition: Near fine, toning to spine, light wear to spine ends, in bright sharp price-clipped dust jacket, a few small short closed tears and wrikles along the top edge, wraparound band in fine condition. Ref: 110348 Price: HK$ 4,500