The Labyrinth of Solitude

New York: Grove Press, (1961). First edition, 1st printing. 8vo. 212 pp. Original third olive cloth over yellow marbled paper-covered boards, stamped in green, in original unclipped ($3.95) dust-jacket. Edge wear with chipping, some small tears and fray. Spine mildly tanned. Particular wear to corners and spine ends. Now protected in archival mylar. Book is moderately square and sturdy. Slight lean. Page toning to edges. Some mild handling and shelf wear to panels. Spine ends curled. Corners and ends lightly rubbed.

Dust Jacket: Good

Hardcover: Good

“Paz observes that solitude is responsible for the Mexican's perspective on death, fiesta, and identity. Death is celebrated but at the same time repelled because of the uncertainty behind it. As for the fiestas, they express a sense of communality, crucially emphasizing the idea of not being alone and in doing so, help to bring out the true Mexican that is usually hidden behind a mask of self-denial. This represents the way in which the Mexicans have inherited two distinct cultures, the Spanish and the Indigenous, but by denying one part of their identity, they become stuck in a world of solitude.”