The First UK printing published by Faber and Faber in 1940. The BOOK is in near Fine condition and appears unread. Just a hint of spotting and toning to the text-block. Free from inscriptions and erasures. The WRAPPER is in Very Good++ or better condition. It is the correct first issue with the appropriate list of 'New Fiction' titles on the rear panel. Some small losses at the spine ends but all the lettering is complete. Light rubbing to the folds and corners with some toning to the spine and folds. Light age related markings with a small light pen mark to the lower front cover. The wrapper presents very well in the removable Brodart archival cover. A very collectible copy of the elusive first title in C.P. Snow's eleven novels roman fleuve.