The Keys of the Kingdom.

Angus and Robertson. Sydney. 1948 (First Aust. Edition). 8vo, VI, 390pp. Hardcover in light brown cloth with embossed title in dark brown to the very sound spine that has minor shelf wear bruising at top and bottom as do the corners and edges also, though overall it is in excellent condition with a light blue d/w with white titles on front and spine and a white rear bearing further advertising that is showing acceptable chipping of all edges and a closed one cm. tear at the spine edge of the front cover now protected by clear archival covering and is overall in very good condition. Internally there is age tanning of all pages, more so with light soiling to both front and rear endpapers with a neat prior owner gift inscription from 1949 on the ffep but no other markings in the entire book being also devoid of any foxing as well. Widely admired by both critics and the public,The Keys of the Kingdom has to a large extent been in the shadow of Cronin's two great books, The Citadel and Hatter's Castle, yet it is arguably more significant than either of these books by reason of its spiritual quality involving a Scottish priest working for thirty five years in remote China. A deep and wonderful adventure so that this book is simply so much more than a good copy of a great read.