GREENE, Graham

Stamboul Train

London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1932. Item #06493

Greene’s Breakthrough “Entertainment”
The Novel That Established His Reputation

GREENE, Graham. Stamboul Train. London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1932.

First edition, second printing. Octavo (7 3/16 x 4 3/4 inches; 186 x 121 mm.). xii, [1-2], 3-307, [1, blank] pp.

Publisher's black cloth over boards, spine lettered in gilt, some light spotting to edges of text block, minimal rubbing to corners, otherwise near fine.

The second printing incorporates partial textual alterations made following objections - traditionally attributed to J. B. Priestley - to the name “Q. C. Savory.” In this issue, the name is altered to “Quinn Savory” on pp. 77, 78, 82, 98, and 131, while remaining unchanged on pp. 134, 136, 142, 144, and 165,. Also the continued use of “Chaucer” (not “Dickens”) on pp. 81–82 and the colon at the foot of p. 140 still present.

These mixed states are characteristic and confirm an early reissue closely following the suppressed first printing.

Greene’s first major commercial and critical success, Stamboul Train marks the true beginning of his career as a novelist of international standing.

Written with cinematic pace and narrative precision, it introduces the form he would later term his “entertainments” -works combining suspense, moral tension, and psychological insight.

Set aboard the Orient Express en route to Constantinople, the novel interweaves the lives of a diverse cast of passengers, including the idealistic teacher Coral Musker and the enigmatic Dr. Czinner.

The book’s success led to its American publication under the title Orient Express and to a film adaptation, firmly establishing Greene’s reputation.

A cornerstone title in the Greene canon, and one of the essential early works for any serious collection, preceding the major novels of the later 1930s and 1940s.

Price: $1,100.00