One Of The Most Controversial Novels Of The Twentieth Century. . This novel shines as an example of Lawrence's finite skill in conveying the nature of relationships and his use of characters to communicate his personal philosophy. His depiction of love-making (seen as shocking at the time) and the intimacy and sense of touch derives from his wish to restore an emphasis on the body and balance it with what he perceived to be Western civilisation's over-emphasis on the mind.

Lawrence's writing and opinions earned him many enemies, censorship and misrepresentation of his creativity, which was his reflection on the dehumanising effects of modernity and industrialisation, while also exploring issues such as emotional health, vitality, spontaneity and instinct.

To avoid British censorship and certain prosecution, this edition of Lady Chatterley's Lover was published privately in Florence therefore not only is it the first edition but the first unexpurgated edition, which would not be seen in the U. K. until 1960. Even then, the publisher, Penguin stood trial under the Obscene Publications Act of 1959, in which one of the objections was to the frequent use of the word 'fuck'. The prosecution was ridiculed for being out of touch with changing social opinions, particularly when the Chief Prosecutor, Mervyn Griffith-Jones asked if it were the kind of book 'you would wish your wife or servants to read.' The jury was less prudish and acquitted Penguin on all charges.

First U.K. unexpurgated edition: 8vo (202 x 114 mm); later bound in full blue calf by Bayntun-Riviere, double gilt-panelled, gilt foliate dentelles, all edges gilt, spine evenly faded, otherwise a fine copy.

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