FURYS PROOF STATE

Hanley, James (1897–1985)

Winter Song (Furys Chronicle, Book Four) [Publisher’s Proof Copy — uncorrected state] [Max Pfeffer Agency Copy]

London: Phoenix House, 1950.

A working proof of the final volume of Hanley’s Furys Chronicle, bearing editorial corrections and literary agency markings.

Issued in advance of publication, this proof copy of Winter Song represents the fourth and concluding volume of Hanley’s Furys Chronicle. The text shows clear signs of pre-publication use, including pencil and ink corrections to the copyright page and multiple stamped impressions associated with handling and circulation prior to release.

The presence of literary agency stamps—identified here as Max Pfeffer—suggests the copy passed through professional channels, likely for review, rights, or representation purposes.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Original printed wraps. Octavo, 7.75 inches tall; 317 pages. Plain format consistent with pre-publication issue.
CONDITION: Very Good. The bindings are tight and square, showing moderate shelf handling and light rubbing to the wrap extremities as expected for an ephemeral proof. The internal pages are clean with light, even age-toning throughout. The publisher and agency stamps are present and legible, with the heaviest impression appearing on the dedication page. The copyright page remains a valuable record of pre-publication editorial intent with its distinct manuscript markings.

CONTENT: The complete text of the fourth volume of the 'Furys Chronicle', documenting the lives of the Fury family.

ASSOCIATION / PROVENANCE: Literary Agency Mark: Stamped ‘Max Pfeffer Literary Agency, New York’.  From the estate of Horizon Books publisher Ben Raeburn (1914–1997). While not marked, the volume was acquired as part of the Raeburn library and reflects the scope of his working literary holdings.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
'Winter Song' is the anchor of James Hanley's 'Furys Chronicle', a saga that remains one of the most rigorous examinations of Irish-immigrant and working-class life in 20th-century literature. Hanley’s prose, often described as 'visceral' and 'uncompromising', reached its psychological peak in this final volume.

This proof copy is more than just a pre-publication book; it is a record of the literary machinery. The involvement of Max Pfeffer, a noted literary agent who handled significant European and American talents, underscores the international interest in Hanley’s work at mid-century.

Acquired from the estate of Ben Raeburn of Horizon Press, this volume reflects the professional world Raeburn inhabited. It showcases how books were shared, vetted, and represented across the Atlantic before they became part of the permanent literary canon.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Production History: Serves as a primary document for the study of Phoenix House’s editorial standards and Hanley’s late-stage revisions.
+++ Literary Agency Context: The Max Pfeffer stamps provide a unique case study in how British modernism was marketed and managed by New York agents during the post-war period.
+++ Textual Evolution: Provides the raw text of the fourth book before the final 'clean' printing, essential for comparative bibliographical analysis.

SUBJECTS: James Hanley, Furys Chronicle, British Modernism, Publisher’s Proofs, Literary Production, Working Class Fiction, Mid-Century Literature, Literary Agencies, Modern Literature, British Literature, Literary Fiction

Bibliographical Reference: Gibbs: A33

Item #21950

Price: $75.00