Product Details

1946 The Tower of Babel Elias Canetti First American Edition Knopf Dust Jacket Description: The Tower of Babel by Elias Canetti, translated by C. V. Wedgwood, published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1946. The copyright page identifies this copy as the First American Edition, following the original German publication as Die Blendung in Vienna in 1935 and the first English publication in 1946. The novel follows Peter Kien, an intensely private scholar who lives almost entirely among his vast personal library. His isolated and highly ordered existence begins to unravel as encounters with the outside world draw him into an increasingly disturbing psychological struggle. Canetti's novel explores obsession, isolation, intellectual arrogance, power, and the breakdown of reason. This copy retains its striking original illustrated dust jacket, with artwork credited to George Salter. The rear jacket advertises contemporary Borzoi fiction, including works by Simone de Beauvoir, Elizabeth Taylor, and others. Condition: The book appears well preserved for its age based on the photographs. The dust jacket shows some age-related edge and corner wear, with small areas of rubbing/chipping visible. The jacket is currently protected in a clear protective cover. Interior pages show expected age toning. Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition. Your book will be carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely. Please review all photographs, as they are considered part of the description.