A Flight of Birds
London: Macdonald, 1953.
Writing under a pseudonym, Timothy Hanley— Mary Hanley wife of the novelist James Hanley—crafted a narrative noted for its delicate psychological observation and atmospheric prose.
Published during a period of significant social transition in post-war Britain, this novel showcases Mary’s distinct literary voice—one often overshadowed by her husband's visceral modernism—focusing on the atmospheric nuances of domesticity and freedom. It stands as a vital association piece for collectors of the Hanley circle, representing the independent creative output of the woman who anchored one of the 20th century's most complex literary households.
FEATURES
+++ Physical: Original cloth with gilt titles to the spine. Housed in the original pictorial dust jacket featuring a delicate avian motif. Octavo; 8 inches tall / [1-8] 9-224 pages. First Edition, First Printing.
+++ Content: A novel exploring themes of domesticity, freedom, and the shifting social landscape of post-war Britain.
CONDITION: Very Good/ Good.
+++ THE BOOK: The bindings are tight and square with minimal shelf handling wear and a slight shelf lean from reading. The internal text is clean and free of markings, showing only a light, even age-toning to the pages.
+++ DUST JACKET: The jacket is present and retains the original price on the flap. Loss at the top of the spine with soiling on the rear panel. Now preserved in a clear, archival protective sleeve.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
Mary Hanley was often described as her husband's 'secret weapon.' While James Hanley was notoriously difficult to manage, Mary was the diplomat of the household, frequently smoothing over relations with publishers like Ben Raeburn to ensure the family's literary legacy remained secure. Under the pseudonym Timothy Hanley, she published several respected novels, including 'The Garden' and 'A Summer to Decide,' which focused on the psychological nuances of domestic life and the shifting social landscape of post-war Britain.
SUBJECTS: British Literature, Mid-Century Fiction, James Hanley, Women Writers, Irish Literature, British Literature
Item #21952
Price: $35.00
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