"This is the Hour" A Novel about Francisco Goya (1746-1828) by Lion Feuchtwanger, translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter and Frances Fawcett, published by Viking Press. First Edition, First Printing of the Book of the Month Selection Club, issued one month after the 1st print of the trade edition. Printed from the same plates, and identical to the trade edition with 'MCMLI' [1951] on the title page, and "First Published in May 1951" on the copyright page. The only mark of BOMSC is a small impressed dot on the backboard.

Hard boards, yellow cloth boards, red cloth with black and yellow lettering and decorations on spine [a little wear and soiling, rounded corners]; 5.3/4" x 8.1/2"; bookplate with crossed out name inside cover, 516 pages, a 4-page book review by Henry Seidel Canby is attached inside back-cover, very good condition.

"Lion Feuchtwanger's historical novels are impressive and vivid, it is easy to identify with the historical figures he presents, to feel as these people felt, to live their life. Once you read this novel about Goya, you will forever remember him, his art and his time. The best way to enjoy, to learn history and to become acquainted with the artist." [a private review]

"Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), one of the immortals of art, was also a fallible mortal. He was involved in the fate of Spain at a turning point in his country's history; and the story of his love for the Duchess of Alba, Spain's great lady in those years, reflects his human complexity as well as his artistic greatness. The Duchess, lively and brilliant, "bad and beautiful," was the subject of two of his most controversial canvases, the Maja Nude and the Maja Clothed. She is one of those perversely attractive heroines who occur only rarely in life; their relationship was the explosive coming-together of two impetuous personalities. It was a romance in the great tradition, a public scandal even in scandalous Madrid." [from a review]

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) ---------- $12.50
Canada: 1st Class (c.2-6 weeks) ---- $30.50
World: 1st Class (c.2-8 weeks) ----- $40.50