Roald Dahl — Tales of the Unexpected (1979) First UK Edition — Michael Joseph

A masterclass in the macabre. The definitive first printing of Dahl’s transition into televised noir.

Roald Dahl — Tales of the Unexpected

Michael Joseph, London — 1979 First Edition, First Issue Original Black Cloth & Unclipped Jacket

Published to coincide with the landmark Anglia Television series, this 1979 first edition represents Roald Dahl at his most controlled and clinical. Here, the "master of the macabre" strips away the whimsical layers of his children's work to reveal a cold, adult world governed by cruelty and chance. This is not a work of nostalgia; it is a foundational text of 20th-century psychological noir.

Edition & Features

• True First UK Edition, First Printing (1979)

• Binding: Original black cloth with bright gilt spine lettering.

• Dust Jacket: Original, unclipped jacket (priced £5.95).

• Context: A crucial bridge between Dahl's literary output and the "Golden Age" of British television thrillers.

Condition

Book: Very Good

• Binding remains firm and square; original black cloth shows only light rubbing to the extremities.

• Interior is clean and crisp; no loose pages, markings, or previous owner inscriptions.

Dust Jacket: Very Good

• An honest, unclipped jacket with vibrant colors and sharp typography.

• Shows light edge wear and mild toning consistent with 45+ years of shelf life; no significant chips or tears.