London: Cassell / Hutchinson / Ward Lock, 1929–1937.

A visually striking collection of three British first editions capturing the psychological and social anxieties of the interwar upper crust. 

Stephen McKenna was the preeminent chronicler of England’s fading aristocracy; here, his narratives of inheritance, spiritual confession, and generational warfare are preserved in their original 1930s commercial 'clothing'. 

This set functions as a concentrated gallery of British jacket design, transitioning from the structured moralism of the late 1920s to the moody, psychological realism of the late 1930s.

KEY FEATURES
+++ The Visual Aesthetic: Features three distinct styles of interwar jacket art, including the bold typography of 'The Cast-Iron Duke' and the atmospheric 'Last Confession.'
+++ The Social Chronicler: McKenna was the "insider's novelist," focusing on the moral decay and resilience of England’s upper classes between the wars.
+++ Exceptional State: A rare survival of fragile 1930s paper jackets, including two in 'Near Fine' condition—uncommon for trade fiction of this era.
+++ Historical Span: Covers the pivotal decade from the cusp of the Great Depression (1929) to the looming shadow of WWII (1937).
+++ Interwar Sociology: McKenna’s work serves as a primary source for the 'Bright Young People' era and the subsequent sobering of the British elite during the Depression.
+++ Commercial Art: The jackets provide a study in the evolution of British trade publishing aesthetics during the 1930s.

CONDITION: Near Fine / Very Good 
+++ The Books: Consistently tight and square. Cloth is clean with bright spine lettering. Internally clean with only light, expected toning to the 1920s/30s paper stock. 
+++ The Jackets: 'Cast-Iron Duke' is Near Fine with exceptional color; 'Last Confession' is Very Good with light shelf wear; 'Datchley Inheritance' is Very Good with minor edge rubbing. All remain unclipped and presentable.
+++ Content: Includes 'The Cast-Iron Duke' (generational conflict), 'Last Confession' (psychological/spiritual thriller), and 'The Datchley Inheritance' (mercantile/moral satire). +++ Imprint: London: Cassell (1930); Hutchinson (1937); Ward, Lock (1929). All First Printings. 
+++ Binding: Original publisher’s cloth (varied colors); bindings remain tight and square. 
+++ Specs: Three standard octavo volumes.

Price: $125.00