A vintage Capricorn Books paperback copy of Lord of the Flies by William Golding, with the familiar cream cover, red illustration, and $1.25 cover price.
This copy includes the biographical and critical note by E. L. Epstein, plus previous-owner underlining in the notes section—an old school-reading copy with plenty of literary discussion energy.
Details
∙ Item: Vintage paperback book
∙ Title: Lord of the Flies
∙ Author: William Golding
∙ Publisher: Capricorn Books / G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York
∙ Year: Copyright 1954; Capricorn Books edition shown as New York, 1959
∙ Edition / Printing: Sixty-ninth Impression
∙ Format: Paperback
∙ Size / Measurements: Approximately 7” x 4” x .05” as provided
∙ Page Count: 192 pages, with text through page 188 and notes section continuing through pages 190–192
∙ Cover / Jacket Colors: Cream/yellow cover with black title lettering, red author name, red illustration, and yellowed page edges
∙ Genre / Subject: Classic literature, allegorical fiction, school reading classic, Nobel Prize author, vintage paperback
∙ ISBN: Not shown; SBN 399-50148-7
∙ Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number: 59-11717
∙ Notable Features: Biographical and critical note by E. L. Epstein; $1.25 cover price; “Over 5,280,000 copies in print” on front cover; notes section in back
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
∙ Complete readable copy of a major modern classic.
∙ Front cover presents well, with title and author clearly visible.
∙ Binding appears intact in the photos.
∙ Interior text is readable.
∙ Includes the notes section, with previous-owner underlining that may appeal to readers who enjoy used academic copies.
Issues / Wear
∙ Front cover shows toning, scuffing, rubbing, light soiling, and edge wear.
∙ Spine shows age toning, rubbing, and handling wear.
∙ Pages are age-toned throughout.
∙ Previous owner name, “Foster Wilson Jr.,” written at top of title page.
∙ Previous owner underlining/marking appears in the notes section, especially around pages 190–192.
∙ Some page/corner wear and handling wear are visible.
∙ See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key:
Near Fine: Minimal visible wear; clean, tight, and gift-worthy.
Very Good: Light wear from careful use; attractive and solid.
Good: Noticeable use or flaws, but complete and readable/displayable.
Fair: Heavy wear, damage, or markings; still useful or collectible for the right buyer.
Plot
Lord of the Flies follows a group of schoolboys stranded on an island after a crash, where their attempt to organize themselves slowly gives way to fear, power struggles, and violence. Golding’s novel is a compact but powerful classic about human nature, civilization, leadership, and the thin line between order and chaos.
This vintage copy also includes critical notes, making it especially fitting for readers, teachers, students, or collectors of school-reading classics
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
- Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
- Packed with our protective packaging standard
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
