First US edition, with First American statement to the copyright page. Bound in the publisher's cloth, the spine toned and spotted, the boards discoloured to the edges, some bumping and light fraying to the spine ends and corners. Ownership inscription to the front endpaper. The hinges and the binding a little loose throughout, strained at p. 217. Some creasing to prelims until p. 22, publisher's error. A good first US edition of Golding's important moral tale.