The Rock Pool by Cyril Connolly first edition 1936

CONNOLLY, Cyril (1903-1974). The Rock Pool. Paris: The Obelisk Press, 1936.
 
First edition, first impression. Octavo, 145 x 195 mm. 248 pp. Original wrappers printed in blue. Very Good. Wrappers toned and lightly spotted, with some rubbing and wear to the edges and a more noticeably toned and rubbed spine. Internally clean and sound, and overall a very presentable copy of a fragile production.
 
Connolly's first book and his only novel, published in Paris by Jack Kahane's Obelisk Press after difficulties finding an English publisher. In the introductory dedication to Peter Quennell, Connolly refers to the brief and disconcerting attention the manuscript received from publishers and wonders how far he is responsible for the unpleasantness and questionable moral tone they found objectionable.
 
The novel follows Englishman Naylor through an expatriate community on the French Riviera. An attractive copy of the uncommon true first edition, preceding the first British edition by more than a decade.