A wonderful true pre-publication first edition of That Hideous Strength, the final installment in C. S. Lewis' "modern fairy-tale for grown ups" space trilogy.
The present example was sent to Elise Riddell [Pseud. Elise Gildea Bradnick] to review for the London Evening News. Bradnick actually lived in Connecticut where she was active in theatre production, etc., She worked issuing literary reviews for the London Evening News under the Riddell pseudonym. So perhaps also the first copy of the work ever to land in America, since it would have had to be sent to her physically for review.
Lewis, C. S. That Hideous Strength. A Modern Fairy-Tale for Grown-Ups. London. John Lane. The Bodley Head. 1945. pre-1st. 476pp
The volume is signed simply "Riddell," likely by the London Evening News editor. It then has a printed sheet from the publisher,
"JOHN LANE
THE BODLEY HEAD
have pleasure in sending
this volume for review. They
request that no notice of
the book may appear before
publication day:
August 16th
and that a copy of the issue
containing the review be
sent to them. The book is
published at:
9/6
net"
Neatly inserted on the flyleaf is the actual review, excised from the London Evening News. She concludes the "idea is well worked out and presents at least a retort to the latest and most devastating challenge of science." Her only criticism is that the childlikeness of "good" is almost ot the point of irritation [though I think that is Lewis' point]. Interestingly, she also reviews Animal Farm at the same time and heads the two reviews, "Two Fairy Stories - For Grown Ups"
Good + in original plan cloth, a bit cocked, some rubbing and bumping. Very solid and clean. Worthy of the construction of a fine book box or similar.
