Iris Murdoch — Henry and Cato

London, Chatto and Windus, 1976. First edition. Cloth. A bright, very smart, first edition copy of this novel by Iris Murdoch. 'Henry and Cato' was Murdoch's eighteenth novel. It is set in the English countryside and centres on two childhood friends who had not seen each other for several years. Henry returns to England from the U.S upon inheriting his family estate and Cato is a Roman Catholic priest who is losing his faith and has fallen for a seventeen year old boy. Their two separate stories intertwine as the plot progresses. In the original unclipped dustwrapper. A complex story, this novel has elements of the thriller genre and was favourably reviewed by contemporary readers. 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 with original unclipped dustwrapper. Externally, excellent condition with just some minor wear to the extremities. Dustwrapper is also in excellent condition, minor sunning to the extremities. Tape repairs internally to the wrap at the head and tail of spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Very Good Indeed.