Iris Murdoch — The Unicorn

London, Chatto and Windus, 1963. First edition. Cloth. The first edition of this novel by esteemed author Iris Murdoch. This is Iris Murdoch's seventh novel. In the original unclipped dustwrapper. The 'Unicorn' is set in the west coast of Ireland.It follows the young governess, Marian Taylor, as she takes residence in the isolated country house, Gaze Castle. Its setting and plot are characteristic of Gothic fiction. Thematically, the work focuses on religion and philosophy. Much of Murdoch's works focus on philosophy, and in this work that is conveyed by the Platonist philosopher Max Lejour in conversations with his former student. Iris Murdoch was a British novelist and philosopher, born in Ireland. Primarily her novels focus on themes of morality, spirituality and sexuality. A prominent philosopher, she is now increasingly accredited for her work in the field of philosophy, most notably her work on the reinterpretation of Aristotle and Plato, as well as her discussions of moral philosophy. In her lifetime Murdoch wrote 26 novels, as well of a series of short stories and several philosophical papers. In the original full cloth binding, in the original unclipped dustwrapper. Externally, very smart with just some minor shelfwear to the head and tail of spine. A few light handling marks and spots to the spine and boards. Dustwrapper is sound with minor chipping to the head of wrap. Tape repair internally to the rear wrap. Spine has faded. Gift inscription to the recto of front endpaper, Kathleen Edgell, Bromley, Kent, September 1963. Minor offsetting to front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed/Very Good.