Scottish Trade Union Novel
The Morlocks
Publication: London: Herbert Jenkins, 1924. First Edition.
Notes: The title of this novel is taken from H. G. Wells' The Time Machine, in which the Morlocks are the workers of the world, who live underground. In Welsh's novel, "the Morlocks are unofficial secret organizations within the trade unions whose purpose is to stir up revolution. Their activities in the great miners' strike bring disastrous results"—quotes from the summary at the front of the book.
Despite the grim nature of the summary, the author was a miner and trade unionist, and he spent two decades as a Member of Parliament for the Scottish Labor Party.
Edition + Condition: First edition (first printing with MCMXXIV on the title page and no indication of later printings). A near fine copy in a very good dust jacket with several areas of restoration visible on the back (verso). The dust jacket is correctly priced at 2'6 on the spine (this is the publication price given in the Guardian newspaper's review, published on June 13, 1924). The top edge has a few spots of infill and tear repairs.
Item No: #362682
Price: $250