The Enduring Years by Claire Rayner (First U.S.A. Printing), 1981 📜📚🇺🇸
1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️
This is a RARE first U.S.A. printing of "The Enduring Years," a compelling work of historical fiction by the author Claire Rayner. Published in 1981, this book is a sweeping family saga that offers a fascinating glimpse into a century of social and cultural change.
As a well-preserved first edition with its original dust jacket, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of historical fiction or British literature.
2. About the Book 📖✍️✨
"The Enduring Years" is a work of fiction that masterfully traces the lives of the Lillywhite family across generations, from the dawn of the 20th century to the post-war era. The novel is an epic family saga, blending historical accuracy with a richly detailed narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and social change.
The book provides a rich tapestry of life in Great Britain, capturing the essence of an enduring family.
3. About the Author ✍️🏛️ Claire Rayner (1931-2010) was a prolific and celebrated British novelist, journalist, and nurse. Her work is known for its meticulous historical accuracy and emotional depth, particularly in her family sagas. Rayner’s background as a nurse gave her a unique perspective that she often wove into her characters and narratives. Her contributions to British literature have made her a beloved and widely-read author.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in 1981, this book is a "time capsule" of a post-war British society still grappling with the social changes and challenges of the 20th century.
The book was published at a time of growing public interest in historical fiction, which offered a look into the past as a way of understanding the present. It reflects a cultural moment where a sense of tradition and family history was highly valued.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a curator of historical fiction, a scholar of British literature, or a private collector of family sagas. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book for its literary merit and its status as a significant cultural artifact.
The handwritten inscription makes this a unique piece of personal history for a specialized collection.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
As a RARE First U.S.A. Printing of a best-selling novel, this book is a desirable asset. The presence of the original dust jacket significantly adds to its value. The provenance, marked by a personal handwritten inscription, makes this a one-of-a-kind piece of personal history. The value is a direct reflection of the book's historical significance, its physical integrity, and its scarcity.
This book is approximately 44 years old.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover binding is tight and square, and the pages are clean. The original dust jacket is present and shows some shelf wear, rubbing, and a small tear on the top. The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library.
A handwritten inscription on the front endpaper reads: "This book is a gift to Joan and Tom, with my love, Joan M. 10/1981."
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
The book contains a personal inscription dated October 1981, the same year it was published. The inscription, "This book is a gift to Joan and Tom, with my love, Joan M. 10/1981," adds a unique piece of provenance.
The author, Claire Rayner, was a journalist and a nurse.
The novel is an epic family saga that traces the lives of the Lillywhite family.
9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
Author: Claire Rayner
Publication Date: 1981
Edition: First U.S.A. Printing
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Place of Origin: New York, USA
Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Saga
