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A Separate Peace

A Separate Peace

$4.99 USD
$4.99 USD
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Condition: Good

Condition Notes: Small tear on front cover at joint.

Author(s): John Knowles

Publication year: 1967

Binding: Paperback

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Set during World War II at the fictional Devon School (based on Phillips Exeter Academy), the story is told through the memories of Gene Forrester.
  • The Friendship: Gene is a quiet, intellectual student who forms a complex bond with his roommate, Phineas (Finny), a gifted and charismatic athlete.
  • The Incident: Driven by a mix of admiration and dark resentment, Gene causes Finny to fall from a tree, resulting in a shattered leg that ends Finny’s athletic career.
  • The "Separate Peace": As the boys try to maintain a sheltered, idyllic life at school while the world outside is consumed by war, the "peace" they find is fragile and ultimately broken by guilt and the loss of innocence.
  • Theme of Internal Warfare: The novel famously posits that the real enemy is not the one across the ocean, but the "enemy" found within human nature—jealousy, fear, and the private wars people wage against themselves.

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Book Condition Scale

  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Is

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.