And so ad infinitum (The Life of the Insects)

An early printing of Karel and Josef Capek's play (1924)

Author

The Brothers Capek, translated from the Czech by Paul Selver, freely adapted for the English stage by Nigel Playfair and Clifford Bax

Publisher

Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press, London, 1924

And so ad infinitum (The Life of the Insects)

Printing Details

First edition, second impression. Slim paperback, printed covers. 18 × 12cm, 69pp.

Full title: And so ad infinitum (The Life of the Insects). An Entological Review, in Three Acts, a Prologue and an Epilogue

A remarkable play from the Brothers Capek in which they explore various aspects, characteristics and follies of human life through a series of scenes focusing on different insects. The first act features butterflies, flighty creatures falling in and out of love etc, the second is the insect family, each with their own dream, and the third is set in an ant colony wanting to conquer all other nests and colonies in its vicinity.

Both brothers shared a left wing outlook, being critical of the rise of nationalism and fascism, which shows heavily in this work (particularly the third act). Karel died in 1938 but Josef was arrested after the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia and died in Bergen-Belsen towards the end of the war.

Condition

A fairly scarce early printing of the UK translation of this play, and it is in good to fair condition. The covers have rubbing and fading to the edges, with a small mark to the front cover. There is slight loss at the spine ends. The joints / hinges are a little delicate but still attached. The text is in good condition, with some light age-toning to the pages but remaining in good readable condition.

Any questions?

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