The Virgin and the Gipsy. By D.H. Lawrence. Limited First Edition. G. Orioli. Florence, 1930.

D.H. Lawrence was a versatile English author who made great strides in the Modernist literary movement of the twentieth century. His poetry was prolific, sometimes applying new forms of imagery and structure that stood out among the work from his era. Yet his novels remain his most lasting contributions. The Virgin and the Gipsy is one such example. Published posthumously, it showcases Lawrence’s talent and interests in the latter part of his career. It is the story of two sisters who return to England from their boarding schools abroad. Their family is reeling from the absence of their mother, who left with another man. The sisters find their situation oppressive. But when they begin to meet more alternative communities outside their conservative household, they find hope in the possibilities of other lives. The work was praised by critics at the time. It has since become an important volume in Lawrence’s canon as well, one that, like his other works, challenges gender roles, dogma, and the auspices of chastity.

This limited first edition, first printing is in very good condition. In the original cloth, very good with only foxing, soiling, and fading to edges. Text block fine. In the delicate and scarce original dust jacket, fair condition with creases, tear along spine, chipping and fading. This copy is one of only 800 produced.

A scarce limited first edition by D.H. Lawrence.