Heinemann The Heart of the Matter Graham Greene 1st Year Print Worn 1948

Condition: Good

Condition Notes: Used – Acceptable condition. Worn boards, spine fading, minor scuffs. Marked as an ex-library copy from Kelso Public Library, with associated stamps, pocket, and writing. Pages are tonally aged but clean and intact. No dust jacket.

Publication Year: 1948

Format: Hardcover

Language: English

Book Title: The Heart of the Matter

Author: Graham Greene

Topic: Books

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene – 1948 Early Edition, ExLibrary Copy

This item is an early printing from 1948 of The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene, published by William Heinemann Ltd. First published in May 1948, this particular edition is from the same year, as indicated by the reprint line stating "June (twice), September 1948". It is a vintage exlibrary copy once held by the Kelso Public Library, making it a unique piece of literary and local history.

Bound in original black cloth boards, the book is in acceptable condition with evident signs of former library use. The cover shows rubbing and wear, particularly along the spine and corners, and features handwritten catalogue code “Gre” at the base of the spine. The interior front board includes a library pocket, stampings, and multiple checkout dates from the early 1950s.

Product Details:

• Title: The Heart of the Matter

• Author: Graham Greene

• Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd. (Melbourne, London, Toronto)

• Publication Year: 1948 (same year as first edition)

• Binding: Hardcover (Black cloth)

• Language: English

• Pages: Approx. 300

• Features: Early reprint, exlibrary copy, firstyear issue

Condition:
Used – Acceptable condition. Worn boards, spine fading, minor scuffs. Marked as an exlibrary copy from Kelso Public Library, with associated stamps, pocket, and writing. Pages are tonally aged but clean and intact. No dust jacket.

About the Author & Historical Context:

Graham Greene (1904–1991) was one of the most acclaimed British novelists of the 20th century, known for his exploration of political and moral dilemmas through deeply human characters. The Heart of the Matter is one of his most revered novels, dealing with guilt, faith, and colonial life during WWII in Sierra Leone. It was shortlisted for the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and remains a cornerstone of midcentury British literature.

This early printing from the novel’s first year of publication makes it especially appealing to collectors and Greene enthusiasts.