Vile Bodies

London: Chapman and Hall, 1930. First edition. Cloth. Very Good/Near Fine. 7.5" by 5". None. An exceptional first edition copy of Evelyn Waugh's satire on the Bright Young Things. With the exceedingly scarce first state dustwrapper in a lovely condition. 'Vile Bodies' is a satire on a group of rich young people in the inter-war years. Dubbed the 'Bright Young Things', the British tabloids fed on the doings of these prominent socialites, of which Waugh was one of. Other contemporaries include Nancy Mitford, Beverley Nichols, Edith Sitwell and Anthony Powell. This novel examines the frenetic but empty lives of these fictionalised youngsters who indulge in parties, heavy drinking and sex.With the vanishingly scarce original dustwrapper in a lovely condition. The dustwrapper is the first impression with '7/6' to the spine and 'Second Choice' listed to the rear panel'.  The dustwrapper has been expertly restored to the spine and to the rear wrap. Lettering has been restored in facsimile. The wrap has been relined imperceptibly. A truly lovely example of this scarce dustwrapper. Dubbed as Waugh's most 'modern' novel, stylistically the work is fragmented and disjointed. Formed of rapid scene changes, his kaleidoscopic techniques comprises many changes of perspective and personage. In 2003 Stephen Fry adapted this novel for film, and David Bowie cited this novel as the primary influence on his composition of 'Aladdin Sane'. A darkly comic novel, 'Vile Bodies' was Waugh's second novel following the commercial success of 'Decline and Fall'.  A scarce find, of this important novel.  In the publisher's original cloth binding, with original unclipped dustwrapper. Externally, very smart. Light bumping to the head and tail of spine. Small loss to the head of spine. Dustwrapper is in an excellent condition. Dustwrapper has been professionally restored to the spine and rear wrap. Lettering to the spine and rear wrap have been restored in facsimile. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Very Good