Anthony Burgess wrote more than 40 novels, but A Clockwork Orange is certainly his most famous. The novel is set in a not-too-distant future English society, namely characterized by a subculture of extreme youth violence. Alex, the unapologetic teenaged protagonist, narrates his exploits and experiences with state authorities intent on reforming him. This narration — in a fictional slang called nadsat — is an experiment in language, combining elements of Russian and Cockney English. In fact, the title of the novel itself is taken from an old Cockney expression: “As queer as a clockwork orange.” The US edition of the novel was published without the final chapter, in which Alex grows up to renounce violence. Burgess strongly disapproved of the decision, arguing that it distorted the novel into a tale of unredeemable evil — far from the author’s original intention. Ironically, the US edition of A Clockwork Orange became a cult classic and was used by Stanley Kubrick for his 1971 film adaptation. A Clockwork Orange is ranked 65th on Modern Library’s “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century. It is also listed in TIME’s “100 Best Novels” (since 1923).

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On Dec 18 2015, a reader said:

One of the worst books ever! this is sick.

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Details

Bookseller: Mystery Cove Book Shop (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 163024
Title: A Clockwork Orange
Author: Burgess, Anthony
Format/Binding: Paperback
Book Condition: Used - Near fine mass market paperback. Small mark on upper edge. Ballantine 02624
ISBN 10: 0345026241
ISBN 13: 9780345026248
Publisher: Ballantine
Place of Publication: New York
Date Published: 1972

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Mystery Cove Book Shop

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About Mystery Cove Book Shop

Mystery Cove Bookshop overlooking the ocean in lovely Hulls Cove Maine, just three miles from downtown Bar Harbor and on the edge of Acadia National Park. Open year round, Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 5pm. We have books in all subjects including books of local interest, children's literature, history & biography, science fiction & fantasy, plus a strong collection of crime, mystery and detective fiction.

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Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

Mass Market: Mass market paperback books, or MMPBs, are printed for large audiences cheaply. This means that they are smaller, usually 4...
Fine: A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...