Unfinished novels occupy a unique place in literary history. Left incomplete by their authors—often due to illness or untimely death—these works offer a compelling glimpse into a story still in motion. Readers encounter fully realized characters and themes, yet also the open spaces of what might have been. Editorial notes, outlines, and surviving drafts often accompany such texts, providing valuable insight into the author’s creative process. Though incomplete, these novels remain important literary artifacts, appreciated both for their artistry and for the poignant sense of a final work forever in progress.
This beautiful edition is in fine condition. The pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked, remaining tight and square in their binding. Edmund Wilson, a close friend of Fitzgerald and a respected literary critic, edited the surviving drafts and notes and published them in 1941 as The Last Tycoon: An Unfinished Novel.
This edition is in good condition, with no marks. The pages are tight, and unmarked. The book remains tight, firm, and in good condition. The Family is a historical novel by Mario Puzo, best known for The Godfather. It was published posthumously in 2001 and completed by his longtime partner, Carol Gino, after Puzo's death in 1999. Unlike Puzo's famous Mafia novels, The Family is a work of historical fiction set in Renaissance Italy, focusing on the powerful and controversial Borgia family. The novel centers on Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, and his ruthless efforts to maintain power while securing the futures of his children, Cesare, Lucrezia, Juan, and Jofré. It portrays Cesare Borgia as an ambitious, calculating leader and Lucrezia as a pawn in her family's political machinations, exploring themes of ambition, corruption, and betrayal. Puzo originally intended The Family to be his masterpiece, blending his passion for historical fiction with the themes of power and family loyalty that defined The Godfather. While it doesn’t hold the same cultural impact as his Mafia novels, it remains an intriguing portrayal of one of history’s most infamous dynasties. The Family offers a fascinating glimpse into a different but equally ruthless world of power and intrigue.
This beautiful softcover edition is in near fine condition, with no marks or tears and only minimal shelf wear. The pages are crisp and unmarked, and the book remains tight, square, and well-preserved. The Mystery of Edwin Drood is Charles Dickens' final novel, left unfinished due to his death in 1870. Originally published in serialized form, only six of the planned twelve installments were completed, making it one of literature’s most famous unfinished mysteries. Dickens left no clear outline of the intended ending, leaving readers to speculate. Set in the fictional town of Cloisterham (inspired by Rochester, Kent), the novel follows the disappearance of Edwin Drood. He is engaged to Rosa Bud, though their relationship is largely arranged and lacks deep affection. Edwin’s uncle, John Jasper, a choirmaster secretly obsessed with Rosa, struggles with opium addiction. Another key character, Neville Landless, a passionate young man from Ceylon (Sri Lanka), quickly becomes a suspect when Edwin vanishes under mysterious circumstances. With no definitive conclusion, the novel has inspired numerous theories about its resolution. Its unfinished nature leaves the mystery open to interpretation, adding to its enduring intrigue.
