Raven - The Turbulent World of Baron Corvo by Robert Scoble

Baron Corvo was the pseudonym of Frederick William Rolfe (1860–1913), an English writer, artist and eccentric, celebrated as one of literature’s most legendary outsiders. His posthumous reputation has established him as the archetypal ‘failed genius’.

He is best known for his semi-autobiographical novel Hadrian the Seventh, a remarkable demonstration of his ‘verbal claws’: his highly sophisticated vocabulary and his ability to deliver vicious yet eloquent remarks against those who slighted him. Corvo ultimately alienated himself from almost everyone in his life, including friends, benefactors and publishers, and died in poverty in Venice in 1913. His combative personality, carefully constructed self-image and unconventional narrative style have since earned him a devoted cult following.

This scarce first edition offers the first major biographical overview of Corvo’s world in over 40 years. Published in 2013 by Strange Attractor Press, a publisher known for its interest in underground and unconventional culture, this copy is signed by the author, Robert Scoble.

The book is cloth-bound in teal blue, with gilt lettering to the spine, and retains its original dust jacket, protected by a clear plastic cover. It is illustrated throughout with full-page black-and-white images, each serving as a chapter opener. The volume is complete, with pages xxvii - 398 present.

Both the binding and dust jacket are in excellent, in an unread condition, with no obvious signs of wear.

This book is being sold for £300.

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