A Pacifist's War
London: Hogarth Press, 1978. First Edition. Hardcover. First Impression (no further printings noted) of this war diary, presenting an intimate portrait of life at Ham Spray House. Tall 8vo: 215,[9]pp, with eight pages of plates. Publisher's cinnamon cloth, spine lettered in gilt, wraparound dust jacket illustrated by Angelica Garnett (nèe Bell—Virginia Woolf's niece and Vanessa Bell's daughter) and priced £5.95. A very attractive copy, dust-spotted top edge, else Fine in Fine jacket. Fine / Fine. Item #BB0899
ISBN: 0701204559
At the outset of the Second World War, Ralph and Frances Partridge were confirmed pacifists. These extracts from Frances's war diary present a vivid picture of their life in Wiltshire ("where life revolved around conversation, long walks, and complicated love affairs," according the ODNB), a refuge for friends (here depicted in some 20 photographs), including many of their fellow "Bloomsberries," as well as a stream of refugees and the dispossessed. Frances's accounts candidly portray their domestic upheavals and rich intellectual life, while also noting her sharp observations of nature and world events. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).
Price: $64.00