William Golding — Free Fall

London, Faber and Faber, 1959 . First edition. Cloth. Author Brian Aldiss's copy of the first edition of William Golding's fourth novel following an English painter who is held in a German POW camp in the Second World War. The first edition, first impression.In the publisher's original unclipped dust wrapper.Golding's novel follows the introspective journey of Samuel Mountjoy, who reflects on his life from poverty-stricken childhood to successful adulthood, while grappling with existential questions and the loss of his innocence. The work is framed around Mountjoy's captivity as a POW in World War II. The personal copy of celebrated English science fiction author Brian Aldiss, best known for his 'Helliconia' trilogy. Associated with the British New Wave of science fiction, Aldiss received two Hugo Awards, one Nebula Award and one John W. Campbell Memorial Award.Loosely inserted is a provenance notice signed by the executor of Aldiss's estate, his daughter Wendy. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, fine. Dust wrapper lightly age toned to back strip and rear wrap. Minor closed tears either side of back strip tail, with minor closed tear to front wrap head. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Near Fine.