The Hot Gates and Other Occasional Pieces.
London: Faber and Faber, 1965. First edition, first printing. Publisher's red cloth, title stamped in gilt and black, in Michael Ayrton dust jacket (25s net). Lightly rubbed corners and tips, unevenly toned edge, else near fine, in near fine dust jacket with gently rubbed and chipped edges, toned spine and edges, in mylar cover. Item #237675
LORD OF THE FLIES AS SUGARED MORALS
The centerpiece of The Hot Gates, the essay"Fable," adapted from his 1962 UCLA lectures, offers a wonderful glimpse into William Golding's debut novel, Lord of the Flies. He left WWII Navy service no longer believing in the innate goodness of humanity. and concluded that he must step into the role of a fabulist (a writer of fables) and, therefore, a moralist. But people do not accept moral lessons easily; "The pill has to be sugared, has to be witty or entertaining, or engaging in some way or another." If not, "it will not be swallowed. If the moral is terrible enough he will be regarded as inhuman; and if the edge of his parable cuts deeply enough, he will be crucified."
Price: $75.00