Kafka on the Shore
By Haruki Murakami
 
First UK edition, first impression: London: The Harvill Press, 2005.
 
Original black cloth, titles to spine in gilt, publisher’s device at foot. With the original pictorial dust jacket.
 
The binding square and firm, the cloth clean, save for a few faint white marks to top edge; text-block a little toned with a faint mark to top edge, the contents otherwise clean and unmarked. A near fine copy.
 
The dust jacket priced £12.99 to the lower corner of the front flap, bright and well preserved, with a small closed tear to spine foot and bottom of lower panel hinge, else very good or better.
 
The first UK edition of Murakami’s celebrated novel, originally published in Japan in 2002 as Umibe no Kafuka. Translated by Philip Gabriel, Kafka on the Shore was instrumental in consolidating Murakami’s stature in the English-speaking world, its intricate dual narrative and surreal architecture marking a high point in his international reputation.