An Ice Cream War, by William Boyd, signed first edition, 1982

A very smart copy of this signed first edition of William Boyd’s An Ice‑Cream War (1982). This is a standout early work in his career—nominated for the Booker Prize the same year—and helped establish his reputation as a sharp chronicler of colonial history infused with dark wit. Set during the First World War's East African campaign, the novel follows British and German settlers navigating absurdity and violence amidst conflict, delivering a potent mix of comedy and tragedy.

An Ice Cream War, by William Boyd..

Published by Hamish Hamilton, London. 1982 first edition. Signed by the author to the title page.

A near fine blue cloth hardback with gilt titles, in a similar unclipped dustjacket. Soundly bound. With slight age-toning to edges of blank endpapers and lightly worn to top edge of dustjacket, which is now housed in removable, protective clear plastic.

Text is clean and bright throughout.

Text in English.

(Prelims) + 370pp.

Dimensions: approx 220mm high x 144mm wide x 26mm deep.

Weight: approximately 558g (unpacked).