An excellent collector's copy of Walters' acclaimed and highly ambitious first historical novel.
Condition Book: Near Fine; A near fine copy in the publisher's original binding, clean and bright throughout, with a tight, square text block and only blemish being a small mark to front end paper. (see photos for details) Dust Jacket: original, unclipped dust jacket, which remains crisp and well preserved, no marks, toning and seems barely handled, let alone read. Summary Published after a lengthy absence from fiction, The Last Hours marked a significant departure for Minette Walters, one of Britain's most celebrated crime writers. Set in Dorset during the summer of 1348, the novel begins as the Black Death arrives on English shores and rapidly spreads across the country. Faced with the collapse of social order and the terrifying advance of the plague, Lady Anne of Develish and her steward, Thaddeus Thurkell, make the radical decision to isolate their community behind the manor walls in an attempt to survive. As supplies dwindle and traditional hierarchies come under pressure, the inhabitants of Develish must confront questions of power, faith, justice and survival.
More than a historical adventure, the novel is a richly researched examination of medieval society during one of the most transformative periods in European history. Walters combines historical authenticity with the suspense, character development and psychological insight that established her reputation as a leading crime novelist. The result is an engrossing exploration of how communities respond to crisis, fear and social upheaval.
The Last Hours is particularly important within Walters' body of work as it represents her highly successful transition from award-winning contemporary crime fiction to large-scale historical fiction. It was her first novel set in the fourteenth century and the opening volume of the Develish series, demonstrating both her versatility as a writer and her ability to recreate a convincing medieval world. The novel was widely praised for its ambitious scope, historical detail and strong characterisation, introducing a new phase in the career of one of Britain's most accomplished bestselling authors.
Signed first editions of this landmark novel are increasingly sought after by collectors of modern first editions, historical fiction and Minette Walters' work.
