Somerset Maugham – Le Roi de Talua 1960 1st Turkish Book Turkey Mackintosh

Somerset Maugham – Talua Kralı (Le Roi de Talua) – Varlık Yayınları Turkish Edition (1960) – First Edition

Description:

This is the Turkish first edition of Le Roi de Talua, published under the title Talua Kralı by Varlık Yayınları in 1960. Written by Somerset Maugham, the work reflects his characteristic interest in human behavior, colonial settings, and the subtle interplay between power, ambition, and personal morality.

The story is set in a fictional colonial environment centered around Talua, where authority, social hierarchy, and personal interests intersect. As the narrative unfolds, the figure referred to as the “king” of Talua becomes the focal point of shifting loyalties, political maneuvering, and social tension. The story examines how power is maintained in a remote setting and how individuals navigate influence, control, and survival within a structured yet fragile order.

Somerset Maugham is known for his precise, observational style and his ability to reveal the contradictions within human nature. His colonial and travel-inspired stories often highlight the gap between appearance and reality, as well as the moral ambiguity of authority.

For collectors, this 1960 Turkish pocket-size first edition represents a rare and desirable issue, especially in this condition. Published by Varlık Yayınları, it reflects the mid-20th century Turkish tradition of compact literary editions. The fact that some pages remain uncut (uncirculated) makes this copy particularly significant for collectors, indicating it has been preserved in near-original condition. Its scarcity in this state increases its collectible value.

Key Features:

• Title: Talua Kralı (Le Roi de Talua)

• Author: Somerset Maugham

• Publisher: Varlık Yayınları

• Publication Year: 1960

• Edition: First Edition

• Language: Turkish

• Format: Pocket-size novel

• Genre: Literary fiction, colonial drama

• Themes: Power, colonial society, authority, ambition, moral ambiguity

• Narrative Style: Observational, character-driven literary storytelling

• Physical Condition: Some pages remain uncut (rare collectible state)

• Collector Appeal: Early Turkish pocket edition in unusually well-preserved condition

• Condition: (as stated – some pages uncut, see photos)