A very good first edition of the first novel by E.M. Forster, contrasting English and Italian sensibilities, the title derived from Alexander Pope's An Essay on Criticism: 'For fools rush in where angels fear to tread'. The novel's success established the author as a leading literary light of the twentieth century.

First edition, first issue; 8vo; 2pp. advertisements, followed by 32pp. publisher's catalogue correctly dated '5/05' and with Forster not listed, some scattered light foxing, mostly constrained to the earlier leaves, burgundy endpapers with faint contemporary ownership inscription to front free endpaper; publisher's cloth with title blocked in black on upper cover and lettered in gilt at spine, a little rubbed and bumped at corners, very minor rubbing to spine edges, slight shelf lean but overall a bright example.

Kirkpatrick A1.