The uncommon First British Edition of Isak Dinesen's first book. Short superficial split to rear joint, but firm, faint toning and a couple of spots of foxing to outer leaves, otherwise clean jacket with a little foxing and toning to flaps and verso, front panel remarkably bright: a very good copy indeed in like jacket. Original red cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Many of the author's favourite motifs 'appear here fully formed: cross-dressing, siblings of opposite sexes who seem like aspects of each other, royal personages (Danish) corrupted by patriarchy, young women threatened by misogynistic patriarchy, other women chained by ideals of sexual purity, wild animals, artists, and whores, as well as witches, shape-shifters, and other wielders of magic' (Orlando).

Dinesen's best known work, Out of Africa, was published only three years later firmly establishing her reputation. The jacket of this edition, depicting a dramatic landscape within a Gothic architectural border, was designed by the prominent British artist Rex Whistler (1905-1944). She began drafting Seven Gothic Tales in English while still living in Kenya, eventually seeking publication as a means of alleviating her financial crises, as the English-language book market was much larger than the Danish. As a student, Dinesen had already published a number of tales in Danish under the pseudonym Osceola. Originally published in America a few months earlier, this collection of short enigmatic stories became instantly popular and a Danish translation by the author appeared in print the following year. First UK edition, first impression, of the author's first book, in an exceptionally bright and sharp example of the jacket.

Karen blixen seven gothic tales