The Missionary By Michael Palin
The Missionary (Collectible First Edition)
A Masterpiece of Edwardian Satire and Wit from a Monty Python Icon
A Masterpiece of Edwardian Satire and Wit from a Monty Python Icon
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: The Missionary
- Author: Michael Palin
- Publisher: Methuen, London
- Publication Date: 1983
- ISBN-10: 0413510107 / ISBN-13: 9780413510105
- Edition Details: First Edition, First Impression. Highly sought-after cinematic tie-in novelization written concurrently with the landmark film.
- Binding: Hardcover with original publisher's cloth boards, housed in the original illustrated dust jacket under a protective archive cellophane wrapper.
- Physical Format: Octavo (8vo), 192 pages. Features photographic stills from the HandMade Films production.
- Language: English
Official Condition Report
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The Book: Very Good Plus (VG+)
- Exterior / Boards: The original publisher's cloth boards remain exceptionally sharp, square, and firm across all edges. The spine is completely straight, robust, tight, and remains visually and structurally undamaged with bright, crisp lettering.
- Interior: Exceptional, clean, and immaculate. The interior text blocks and photographic inserts are bright white, crisp, and fully intact. Free from handling soils, thumb marks, foxing, previous owner gift inscriptions, or dealer pencil notations.
- Protection: This literary volume has been well maintained and looked after thus far, now beautifully preserved in a professional, removable archival cellophane sleeve.
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The Dust Jacket: Very Good (VG)
- Condition: The original illustrated dust jacket is complete and unclipped. It exhibits some typical, limited signs of standard retail shelf storage wear and light rubbing along the rear panels and lower edges. It is entirely free of chips, deep sun fading, or tears and presents beautifully inside its clear archival jacket protector.
Synopsis & Historical Value
Published in 1983 by Methuen, The Missionary is a brilliant, razor-sharp Edwardian comedy written by the legendary Monty Python alumnus Michael Palin. The narrative follows the hilarious misadventures of the Reverend Charles Fortescue, a well-meaning Church of England missionary who returns home after spending ten grueling years in the African wild. Ready to settle down and marry his intensely boring fiancée—with whom he has communicated solely through letters—Fortescue is abruptly summoned by the eccentric Bishop of London. He is subsequently charged with establishing a home mission in the dark, foggy streets of London to rescue and reform "fallen women." The chaotic consequences and romantic entanglements that follow are written with Palin's trademark subtle brand of humor, gentle British irony, and deep narrative warmth. This first edition serves as an essential historical artifact charting the cross-media mastery of British comedic literature during the golden age of HandMade Films.
Published in 1983 by Methuen, The Missionary is a brilliant, razor-sharp Edwardian comedy written by the legendary Monty Python alumnus Michael Palin. The narrative follows the hilarious misadventures of the Reverend Charles Fortescue, a well-meaning Church of England missionary who returns home after spending ten grueling years in the African wild. Ready to settle down and marry his intensely boring fiancée—with whom he has communicated solely through letters—Fortescue is abruptly summoned by the eccentric Bishop of London. He is subsequently charged with establishing a home mission in the dark, foggy streets of London to rescue and reform "fallen women." The chaotic consequences and romantic entanglements that follow are written with Palin's trademark subtle brand of humor, gentle British irony, and deep narrative warmth. This first edition serves as an essential historical artifact charting the cross-media mastery of British comedic literature during the golden age of HandMade Films.
Author Profile: Michael Palin
Sir Michael Palin is an internationally acclaimed English actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter who achieved global icon status as a core member of the revolutionary comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus. Following the troupe's legendary run, Palin transitioned into a highly successful career as a cinematic screenwriter and actor, starring in cult classics such as A Fish Called Wanda and The Missionary, before reinventing modern travel broadcasting with his groundbreaking BBC documentaries. Renowned for his exquisite prose styling, profound wit, and immense natural charm, his early comedic publications are highly prized globally by bibliophiles and British comedy collectors alike.
Sir Michael Palin is an internationally acclaimed English actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter who achieved global icon status as a core member of the revolutionary comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus. Following the troupe's legendary run, Palin transitioned into a highly successful career as a cinematic screenwriter and actor, starring in cult classics such as A Fish Called Wanda and The Missionary, before reinventing modern travel broadcasting with his groundbreaking BBC documentaries. Renowned for his exquisite prose styling, profound wit, and immense natural charm, his early comedic publications are highly prized globally by bibliophiles and British comedy collectors alike.
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