John Masters — 4 Vols Four Novels by John Masters

London, Michael Joseph, 1954-1962. First edition. Cloth. A compelling four-volume set of historical novels by John Masters, exploring colonialism, identity, and conflict across India and Africa. These are first editions in the original dust wrappers. In the publisher's original cloth bindings, complete with the original unclipped dust wrappers. This is a lovely set of four novels by British author and ex-Indian Army officer John Masters (1914-1983), best known for his historical novels set in India, particularly Bhowani Junction. This set consists of: Bhowani Junction (May, 1954) This is the second impression before publication. A romantic novel set amid the Indian fight for independence and the Partition of India. This work is notable for its portrayal of the Anglo-Indian community, who had conflicting loyalties. Far, Far the Mountain Peak (1957), a novel set in the Ruwenzori mountains of Africa, against the background of the First World War. The Venus of Konpara (1960), a novel which uses the "Aryan Invasion Theory", according to which the invading "Aryans" oppressed the Dravidian people. To the Coral Strand (1962), telling the story of an ex-officer who is no longer needed in the newly independent India, but refuses to accept change. In the publisher's original cloth bindings. Externally, smart. Slight fading, rubbing and bumping to extremities. Spine of "Coral" ever so slightly cocked. Offsetting to endpapers with the odd scattered spot. One or two very slight handling marks to boards. Dust wrappers, generally smart. Dust wrapper of "Junction" stuck to spine. Spot of damp staining to inside spine of "Venus". Small sticker to front wrap of "Coral". Slightly age toned and faded, with the odd minor handling mark. Slight offsetting from covers of "Far, Far" to the inside wrap. The odd spot. Rubbing and bumping to extremities, resulting in the odd chip and small closed tear, more so to the head and tail of spines. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean if slightly age toned with the odd spot, heavier to first and last few leaves, with one or two spots to fore edge. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None Stated. Very Good Indeed/Good.