Mervyn Peake — Mr. Pye

London, Allison & Busby, 1969. Cloth. A lovely edition of Mervyn Peake's satirical tale on an evangelical whose deeds shape his appearance. A charming edition of Mr. Pye, a curious novel following the titular preacher upon the Channel island of Sark, written by influential fantasy author Mervyn Peake. Published in 1969, first published in 1953. In the publisher's original brown cloth, in the original pink pictorial unclipped dust wrapper, designed by British artist Ivan Ripley. Contains numerous in-text illustrations by Peake. A fatanstical tale that focuses on the consequences of good and bad deeds, with Mr. Pye's moral actions with leading him to form an angelic or a devilish appearance. It is a brilliant example of Peake's surrealist fiction, of which he wrote the pioneering Gormenghast series of dark fantasy fiction.  Pye would later be adapted for both radio and TV, with the latter featuring a performance from Derek Jacobi. In the publisher's original brown cloth, in the original pink pictorial unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, in excellent condition, with minimal marks and edgewear. Dust wrapper is bright and clean, with minimal edgewear. Slight fading to the wrapper spine. End papers are bright and clean. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: Mervyn Peake. Fine/Near Fine.