The Heart of the Matter

London: William Heinemann, 1948. First edition of Graham Greene's classic tale of betrayal and redemption, set in British West Africa during the Second World War, following the psychological impact and violent aftermath of a colonial official's extramarital affair: "I believe that I'm damned for all eternity -- unless a miracle happens. I'm a policeman. I know what I'm saying. . . . I can't bear to see suffering, and I cause it all the time." A near-fine copy. Single volume, measuring 7.25 x 4.75 inches: [6], 297, [1]. Original dark blue cloth titled in silver, tan endpapers, top edge stained red, original unclipped color-printed dust jacket. Bookseller label (B.H. Blackwell, Oxford) to front pastedown. Lightest shelfwear to jacket, with expert repair to spine head and flap folds.