Paul Bowles — The Sheltering Sky

London, John Lehmann, 1949 . First edition. Cloth. A signed, first edition, second impression of Paul Bowles' compelling novel set in North Africa following World War Two, complete with the publisher's unclipped dust wrapper. The first edition, second impression of this work. Signed by the author, "For Mr. Williamson with my sincere thanks for helping to make my stay in Ceylon a pleasant one. Paul Bowles.". This refers to Bowles' first trip to Ceylon in 1949, a place which he subsequently made a second home, buying an island off the coast and spending many winters there. With the publisher's unclipped dust wrapper. The debut novel of American author and composer, Paul Bowles. A poignant novel with themes of alienation and existential despair, set in the deserts and cities of North Africa after World War II. This novel follows three young Americans who meet a pair of English travellers and set off on an extraordinary adventure. A popular work, this novel was adapted into a 1990 film starring John Malkovich and Debra Winger. Bound in the publisher's cloth, with the original, unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, excellent with minor bumping and light fading to the board extremities. Ink inscription and stamp to the front endpaper. A few spots to the fore edge. Dust wrapper is very good, with light chipping to the extremities, heavier to the backstrip head and head of the front board. Sunning to the wraps backstrip and the odd mark. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Very Good.