Hadrian the Seventh

Language: English

Published by Chatto & Windus, London, 1959

  • Signed
  • Hardcover
  • Used
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Seller: Alexander David Fine Books, Ashtead, United KingdomAlexander David Fine Books

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AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

Hardcover

Condition: Used - Very good

£ 100.00

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Item description from seller

This Chatto & Windus edition of Hadrian the Seventh (1959) is of interest to collectors of Frederick Rolfe, early 20th century British fiction, and Catholic literary curiosities. A very good copy in the original crimson dust jacket with cream lettering and gilt spine decoration - the jacket shows light rubbing to extremities and some toning to the rear panel, but retains its striking appearance. Boards clean and tight beneath. Interior pages cream and clean, with the characteristic italic typeface and the Decree of Urban VIII declaration signed by Fr. Rolfe, dated xxii Jul., 1904. The rear panel advertises Nicholas Crabbe at 21s net. A handsome and collectable copy of this celebrated reprint. Synopsis: Frederick Rolfe’s extraordinary roman à clef imagines an embittered English Catholic writer, a thinly veiled self-portrait, unexpectedly elected Pope, taking the name Hadrian VII. Part theological fantasy, part savage satire, part wish-fulfilment, the novel is one of the most singular and eccentric works in the English literary canon. First published in 1904, it was rediscovered in the mid-twentieth century and adapted for the stage in 1968. Review: Hadrian the Seventh is a work of fierce, idiosyncratic genius. Rolfe’s prose, ornate, allusive, and shot through with wounded pride - creates a narrator of compelling strangeness. D. H. Lawrence called it “the work of a man demon”; the Observer praised its “florid genius” and “exotic fantasy.” This Chatto & Windus reprint brought Rolfe’s masterpiece to a new generation of readers and remains a desirable copy for collectors of literary curiosities and Catholic fiction.…

Seller Inventory # ADFB-100014

Bibliographic details

Title
Hadrian the Seventh
Author
Fr. Rolf
Publisher
Chatto & Windus, London
Publication year
1959
Condition
Very good
Dust jacket
Good
Signed
Signed by Author(s)
Binding
Hardcover
Language
English
Seller catalogs
Book, Print Books

Alexander David Fine Books

Ashtead, United Kingdom

4-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item5 to 15 business days3 to 5 business days
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Store description

Alexander David Fine Books specializes in first editions and rare impressions from the 1800s and 1900s. Our catalogue ranges in quantity at any time, with a focus on provenance, bibliographic interest, and works that matter to collectors, scholars, and serious readers. We deliver worldwide with tracking and insurance as standard. All books are carefully packaged for long-distance transit - if you have any queries regarding shipping please contact Alexander David.

Specialty

First editions, early printings, and important literary works from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Seller's business information

Alexander David Fine Books

United Kingdom

Alexander Porter t/a Alexander David Fine Books, 18 Bowyers Close, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 1LF

contact: mail@alexanderdavidfinebooks.co.uk
phont: +44 (0)7830 855 989