Moly, Thom Gunn, Faber and Faber, 1971

Moly (1971) is one of the key collections in the development of Thom Gunn's mature voice, written during his early years in the United States and reflecting a decisive shift away from his tightly formal English beginnings. The poems engage directly with themes of power, sexuality, drug use, myth, and self-discipline, often juxtaposing classical reference with the raw immediacy of contemporary experience. The title poem draws on Homeric myth as a framework for exploring freedom and control, a tension that runs throughout the book. Moly is widely regarded as a turning point in Gunn’s career, signalling the confident, unsentimental, and intellectually rigorous style that would define his later work.

Moly, by Thom Gunn.

Published by Faber and Faber, London, 1971. First edition.

A near fine yellow cloth hardback with gilt title to spine. With slight bumping. In a very good dustjacket with some sun-fading and wear to extremities. With 1cm closed tear at head of spine. Not price-clipped. The jacket is now housed in a removable, clear plastic protective sleeve.

Text pages are bright and clean throughout. All soundly bound.

Text in English.

55pp.

Dimensions: Approximately 222mm high x 140mm wide x 11mm deep.

Weight: Approximately 213g.