{"product_id":"road-of-ages-by-robert-nathan-1935-first-edition-pre-wwii-prophetic-novel-📜🕊️","title":"Road of Ages by Robert Nathan (1935 First Edition) - Pre-WWII Prophetic Novel 🇮🇱📜🕊️","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThis volume is an \u003cb\u003eauthenticated First Edition, First Printing\u003c\/b\u003e of \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRoad of Ages\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, the haunting and historically significant 1935 novel by \u003cb\u003eRobert Nathan\u003c\/b\u003e. Published by \u003cb\u003eAlfred A. Knopf\u003c\/b\u003e, the book is a powerful piece of \u003cb\u003epre-World War II literature\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003eThe novel’s collectible status is secured by its definitive \u003cb\u003eFirst Edition statement\u003c\/b\u003e and its \u003cb\u003eprophetic content\u003c\/b\u003e—detailing a future mass exile of the Jewish people from Europe. The book's unique illustrated endpapers by \u003cb\u003eBoris Artzybasheff\u003c\/b\u003e further enhance its \u003cb\u003eAesthetic Premium\u003c\/b\u003e. This volume is a strong acquisition for collectors who prioritize \u003cb\u003everifiable artifacts of 20th-century history\u003c\/b\u003e that document cultural and political foresight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. About the Artwork\/Book\/Object 📖✍️✨\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRoad of Ages\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e is a satirical, yet deeply somber, novel that imagines the \u003cb\u003efinal, colossal exile of the Jewish people\u003c\/b\u003e from all Western countries. The narrative begins with the line: \u003cb\u003e\"The Jews were going into exile. Eastward across Europe the great columns moved slowly and with difficulty toward the deserts of Asia\"\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003eThe plot follows the slow, weary journey of millions, led by their rabbis, as they search for a final haven. The novel serves as a powerful \u003cb\u003eallegory of exile and the eternal wandering\u003c\/b\u003e of the Jewish diaspora, mixing pathos with gentle satire. The book’s endpapers are a non-replicable artistic feature, with an illustration by \u003cb\u003eBoris Artzybasheff\u003c\/b\u003e depicting the long column of refugees, using both \u003cb\u003ecarts and modern automobiles\u003c\/b\u003e to emphasize the novel's commentary on historical persecution across time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e3. About the Artist\/Author\/Maker ✍️🏛️\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"17,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRobert Nathan (1894–1985)\u003c\/b\u003e was a prolific American novelist and poet known for his \u003cb\u003efanciful, philosophical, and often gently satirical writing style\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"17,1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-159\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"17,2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-159\"\u003eA graduate of Harvard, Nathan's work typically utilized allegory and fantasy to comment on social and moral issues\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"17,3\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-159 citation-end-159\"\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"1\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"17,4\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"button ng-star-inserted\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQvoAQahgKEwjy7J7ywpWRAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ2xc\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-158\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-158\"\u003eHis novels, such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-158\"\u003eOne More Spring\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-158\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-158\"\u003ePortrait of Jennie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-158\"\u003e, were widely read and often adapted for film, establishing him as a distinctive American literary voice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-158 citation-end-158\"\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"2\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,3\"\u003e. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRoad of Ages\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e is a unique work in his career, as its serious, prescient subject matter stands in stark contrast to his usual whimsical style. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-157\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,5\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-157\"\u003eThe book represents Nathan's direct and urgent literary response to the rising tide of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-157\"\u003eanti-Semitism and fascism\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-157\"\u003e in Europe in the 1930s, making it a critical political statement disguised as a novel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,6\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-157 citation-end-157\"\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"3\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"18,7\"\u003e. The book was published by \u003cb\u003eAlfred A. Knopf\u003c\/b\u003e, a firm renowned for its dedication to publishing high-quality, serious international fiction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"button ng-star-inserted\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQvoAQahgKEwjy7J7ywpWRAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ3Bc\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e4. Historical\/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003eThis book was published in \u003cb\u003e1935\u003c\/b\u003e, a pivotal and terrifying year in world history. In Germany, the \u003cb\u003eNuremberg Laws\u003c\/b\u003e were passed, officially stripping German Jews of their citizenship and forbidding marriage between Jews and non-Jews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003eNathan’s novel, written and published at this moment, is therefore an act of \u003cb\u003eprofound literary prophecy\u003c\/b\u003e, anticipating the mass displacement and persecution that would become the Holocaust. The book’s depiction of columns of Jews moving \u003cb\u003e\"toward the deserts of Asia\"\u003c\/b\u003e directly reflects the chilling sense of inevitability felt by those watching the political situation in Europe. This volume is a \u003cb\u003etime capsule\u003c\/b\u003e of the fear and early awareness of the coming catastrophe, providing a direct record of American intellectual anxiety during the \u003cb\u003epre-WWII crisis\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003eThis volume is tailored for a \u003cb\u003eCurator of 20th-Century Jewish History\u003c\/b\u003e and a \u003cb\u003eScholar of Interwar Political Fiction\u003c\/b\u003e. The Ideal Collector seeks early literary responses to the rise of fascism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003eThe book belongs in a collection that focuses on \u003cb\u003eProphetic Literature and the Alfred A. Knopf publishing history\u003c\/b\u003e. The First Edition status and the stunning endpaper illustration by \u003cb\u003eBoris Artzybasheff\u003c\/b\u003e make it a visually and intellectually rich asset, appealing to a buyer who values artifacts documenting a key moment of American moral reckoning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"27\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"28\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e6. Value \u0026amp; Rarity 💎✨🏛️\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003eThis book is an \u003cb\u003eauthenticated First Edition, First Printing\u003c\/b\u003e from \u003cb\u003e1935\u003c\/b\u003e, making it \u003cb\u003e90 years old\u003c\/b\u003e. Its rarity is defined by its First Edition status as a \u003cb\u003epre-WWII novel\u003c\/b\u003e of unique political content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"30\"\u003eThe value is secured by its high \u003cb\u003eAesthetic Premium\u003c\/b\u003e—the gorgeous \u003cb\u003edecorative Art Nouveau spine stamping\u003c\/b\u003e and the dramatic \u003cb\u003eArtzybasheff endpapers\u003c\/b\u003e. The book’s clean presentation, despite lacking the original dust jacket, is a major asset. The lack of the jacket mandates a \u003cb\u003emandatory deduction\u003c\/b\u003e, but the verified First Edition status and unique content ensures its premium market position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"31\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"32\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e7. Condition 🔎📚✨\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"33\"\u003eThis is an \u003cb\u003eauthenticated First Edition hardcover\u003c\/b\u003e lacking the original dust jacket. The binding is a beige-tan cloth with black and gilt stamping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"34\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive Qualities:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"34,0,1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,0,1,0,0\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003ebinding is tight and square\u003c\/b\u003e, providing excellent structural integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,0,1,1,0\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003egilt stamping on the front board and the Art Nouveau spine are clean\u003c\/b\u003e and aesthetically strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,0,1,2,0\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eArtzybasheff illustrated endpapers are vivid and intact\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,0,1,3,0\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003e\"FIRST EDITION\" statement\u003c\/b\u003e is clearly legible on the copyright page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eImperfections:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"34,1,1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,1,1,0,0\"\u003eThe cloth boards show \u003cb\u003emoderate rubbing and shelf wear\u003c\/b\u003e, particularly at the extremities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,1,1,1,0\"\u003eThe pages are uniformly \u003cb\u003eage-toned\u003c\/b\u003e, consistent with the paper quality of the mid-1930s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"34,1,1,2,0\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eabsence of the original dust jacket\u003c\/b\u003e mandates a significant deduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"35\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"36\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e8. Fun Facts \u0026amp; Unique Features 🤓📜🤩\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"37\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"37,0,0\"\u003eThe book was published only a few months after the \u003cb\u003eNuremberg Laws\u003c\/b\u003e were first introduced in Germany, making its content an almost immediate artistic response to the legal persecution of Jews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"37,1,0\"\u003eThe illustrated endpapers by \u003cb\u003eBoris Artzybasheff\u003c\/b\u003e, a Russian-American artist, are highly detailed, showing a caravan of refugees moving by \u003cb\u003emotorcar, bicycle, carriage, and foot\u003c\/b\u003e, symbolizing the displacement across all social strata.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"37,2,0\"\u003eThe publisher, \u003cb\u003eAlfred A. Knopf\u003c\/b\u003e, used the motto \u003cb\u003e\"NON-INFERIOR AQVAM EENTES,\"\u003c\/b\u003e meaning \"Not inferior to those who follow,\" reflecting their commitment to high-quality international publishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"37,3,0\"\u003eThe narrative highlights the diverse origins of the exiled people, noting they carried their fires along the Danube and spoke \u003cb\u003e\"in all the languages of the world,\"\u003c\/b\u003e emphasizing the universality of their displacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"38\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"39\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"40\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTitle:\u003c\/b\u003e Road of Ages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Robert Nathan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIllustrator:\u003c\/b\u003e Boris Artzybasheff (Endpapers)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eYear of Publication:\u003c\/b\u003e 1935\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Alfred A. Knopf\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlace of Origin:\u003c\/b\u003e New York, Manufactured in the United States of America\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat\/Binding:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover, Beige Cloth Boards with Gilt Stamping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEdition:\u003c\/b\u003e First Edition, First Printing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,8,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRarity:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate Scarcity (First Edition), Content Scarcity (Pre-WWII Prophetic Novel)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"40,9,0\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVerbatim Transcription of Inscription\/Marking:\u003c\/b\u003e None.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Wall Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53038630011246,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0889\/0073\/1246\/files\/PXL_20251106_035405154.jpg?v=1764385856","url":"https:\/\/wallantiques.com\/zh-hans\/products\/road-of-ages-by-robert-nathan-1935-first-edition-pre-wwii-prophetic-novel-%f0%9f%93%9c%f0%9f%95%8a%ef%b8%8f","provider":"Wall Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}