HARDING, GEORGINA. — The Solitude of Thomas Cave.

London: Bloomsbury, 2007. Signed Uncorrected Proof copy. "Set in the first half of the 17th century, this is a poetic and highly literate novel that has as its themes the nature of mankind and our impact on the environment. Thomas Cave is a whaler on Arctic expeditions collecting whale oil and associated products, which in the early 1600s was a highly hazardous though lucrative occupation. Cave accepts a wager that he would be able to survive an Arctic winter alone and is left behind by his ship with provisions and shelter as the summer conditions begin to give way to the icy temperatures of winter.." (Historical Novel Society). Pp.237, inscribed by the author to top of title page. Paperback, faint ring mark to front, spine and edges slightly scuffed. VG.** Georgina Harding is the author of three novels: The Solitude of Thomas Cave, The Spy Game and, most recently, Painter of Silence, which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012.