Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) | 1949, first edition, finely bound by Asprey in full morocco.

A superbly bound first edition of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, presented in a striking full black morocco binding by Asprey with a sea green onlay of 1984 to the front cover and Japanese paper endpapers. A very fine copy with no foxing and pages that remain unusually fresh and bright.

The quality of the binding is exceptional. Through a chain of mergers in the twentieth century, Asprey came to incorporate the Sangorski and Sutcliffe and Zaehnsdorf binderies, before the name was revived under Shepherds in the late 1990s. This volume therefore carries the Asprey name but was produced by the Sangorski team, a detail of real interest to collectors of modern fine bindings and one that adds a layer of prestige and provenance to the book.

First editions of Nineteen Eighty-Four are increasingly sought after in superior condition. The novel’s influence has only grown as Orwell’s vision has embedded itself in political language and cultural memory. Bound at a high level, immaculately preserved and visually striking, this example offers both collectability and display power.

An outstanding presentation of a defining work of twentieth century literature.