James Hanley — A Passion Before Death

London, Privately Printed [C. J. Greenwood], 1930 . First edition. Cloth. A signed, limited edition of this daring tale told from the confines of a prison cell, with the original, vanishingly scarce glassine wrap. The first edition, limited to 200 copies signed by the author and printed on handmade paper. A scarce work, with the original, exceptionally scarce glassine wrap. 'A Passion Before Death' tells the emotive story of a man sentenced to death after murdering the man who raped his wife on their wedding night. With themes of homosexuality, as the man experiments in prison after being denied the consummation of his marriage due to his arrest. Originally published privately in a limited run due to censorship laws at the time. The author's subsequent novel, 'Boy', was a far larger and more daring publication, leading to one of the most renowned censorship trials in British history, left unresolved until 1968. A compelling work of fiction written by British novelist and short story author, James Hanley. This particular novel was the author's third published work. Bound in the publisher's cloth with the original glassine wrap. Externally, excellent, with minor discolouration to the extremities and the odd mark. Glassine wrap is sound, with loss to the extremities, heavier to the front board and spine tail. Internally, firmly bound with bright, clean pages. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed/Good.