"The Outsider" by Colin Wilson 1st U.S. edition (1956) HC DJ ex-library ed. RARE
The classic study of alienation, existentialism, and how great artists have portrayed characters who exist on the margins of society.
Published to immense acclaim in the mid-1950s, The Outsider helped make popular the literary concept of existentialism. Authors like Sartre, Kafka, Hemingway, and Dostoyevsky, as well as artists like Van Gogh and Nijinsky, delved for a deeper understanding of the human condition in their work, and Colin Wilson’s landmark book encapsulated a character found time and time again: the outsider. How does the outsider influence society? And how does society influence him? It’s a question as relevant to today’s iconic characters, from Don Draper to Voldemort, as it was when The Outsider was initially published.
Specific copy is something of an "outsider" itself -- a library discard that bears the signs of having been available to the public - Dewey number on spine, "discard" written on inside page, library stamps on copyright page and inside back cover; also gift ID plate glued on an inside page. Otherwise, book is in good condition, with remarkably little shelf wear evident, tight binding, all pages intact and clean. Dust jacket is intact and laminated.
Considering all these factors, as well as the fact that a first-edition copy of this well-known book by a prolific writer is now quite rare, this copy has been priced accordingly. See photos to determine the book's condition.
Colin Wilson wrote on many subjects over a prolific career in publishing, and is especially known for his works relating to occult and paranormal studies as well as UFOs/UAPs and related issues. For a review of his life and work, see his Wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Wilson
As I continue to downsize my collection of books, I’m focusing on unusual phenomena, occultism, magic and related subjects. I’ve offered several difficult-to-find items on eBay in the hope of reaching a broader group of collectors. It’s possible that some may be of interest to you. Please glance over these current items is the "More from this Seller" section. Thank you!