Botchan (First UK edition)

1973, Alan Turney's translation of Natsume Soseki's classic novel

Author

Natsume Soseki, translated by Alan Turney

Publisher

Peter Owen, London, 1973

Printing Details

First UK edition, first printing. Hardback in dustwrapper. 19.5 × 12.5cm, 163pp.

Botchan is a modern young man from the Tokyo metropolis, sent to the ultra-traditional Matsuyama district as a Maths teacher after his the death of his parents. Cynical, rebellious and immature, Botchan finds himself facing several tests, from the pupils, the staff, and from his own as-yet-unformed nature, as he finds his place in the world.

Botchan was first published in Japan in 1906, and remained incredibly popular since publication.

Condition

The book itself is in very good condition, with some very light tanning to the pages' top edge. The dustwrapper is very good but with some light scuffing and tanning to the spine, and a little creasing to the top edge of the rear panel. It has not been price-clipped and is now within a protective sleeve.