[First Edition] Lyra's Oxford Philip Pullman [Used - Fine] [Hardcover]

Publication: Oxford, David Fickling Books, 2003 Formatting: Small 8vo, pp. 64. Condition Report: Fine. The red cloth binding remains notably sharp and structurally sound, showing no discernable bumping, fading, or rubbing to the extremities. The front board features a striking, clean pictorial label that is completely free of peeling or scuffing, while the black spine lettering remains crisp and unoxidised. Internally, the binding is tight with the text block squarely aligned. The pages are immaculate: bright, clean, and completely devoid of foxing, thumbing, or previous owner's inscriptions. A pristine, unread copy that presents beautifully. Catalogue Note: First edition, first impression. This copy is substantially elevated by the presence of Philip Pullman's signature, executed in blue ink directly to the title page. Issued without a dust jacket by David Fickling Books, the volume is heavily illustrated with exquisite wood engravings by John Lawrence and includes the necessary fold-out map and ephemeral inserts intrinsic to this publication. While standard first printings of this novella are somewhat commonplace, verifiable signed copies retained in such an unblemished state are increasingly uncommon on the open market. Set two years after the dramatic conclusion of the His Dark Materials trilogy, Lyra's Oxford invites readers back into Philip Pullman's richly imagined universe. Fifteen-year-old Lyra Belacqua and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, are safely ensconced at Jordan College when a frantic witch's dæmon crashes onto the roof, pursued by a murderous flock of starlings. Their decision to assist the desperate creature propels them out of the sanctuary of the college and into the perilous, winding streets of Oxford. Their quest to locate a reclusive alchemist soon unravels a much darker conspiracy, forcing Lyra to once again rely on her courage and cunning to navigate the city's hidden dangers.

Estimate:£133.89

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