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A Boy's Own Story

By Edmund White
Series: Picador Collection
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Brief Description
A Boy's Own Story traces an unnamed narrator's coming-of-age during the 1950s. It was his power that stupefied me and made me regard my knowledge as nothing more than hired cleverness he might choose to show off at a dinner party. Beset by aloof parents, a... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2800
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Releases 28th April 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "A Boy's Own Story" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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A Boy's Own Story

Originally published in 1982 as the first of Edmund White's trilogy of autobiographical novels, A Boy's Own Story became an instant classic for its pioneering portrayal of homosexuality. Lyrical and powerfully evocative, this is an American literary treasure.

Every so often a novel comes along that is so ambitious in its intention and so confident of its voice that it reminds us what a singular and potent thing a novel can be' San Francisco Chronicle Now part of the Picador Collection

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A Boy's Own Story traces an unnamed narrator's coming-of-age during the 1950s.

It was his power that stupefied me and made me regard my knowledge as nothing more than hired cleverness he might choose to show off at a dinner party.

Beset by aloof parents, a cruel sister, and relentless mocking from his peers, the unnamed narrator struggles with his sexuality, seeking consolation in art and literature, and in his own fantastic imagination as he fills his head with romantic expectations.

The result is a book of exquisite poignancy and humour that moves towards a conclusion which will allow the boy to leave behind his childhood forever.

Edmund White has crossed The Catcher in the Rye with De Profundis, J. D. Salinger with Oscar Wilde, to create an extraordinary novel - New York Times

Part of the Picador Collection, a series celebrating fifty years of Picador books and showcasing the best of modern literature.

Series: Picador Collection

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781035091300

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 January 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Picador

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 178g

Pages: 256

Collections

Edmund White Fiction General Fiction LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction Pre-order General Fiction Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Series: Picador Collection

About the Author

Edmund White was born in 1940. He is an American novelist, short-story writer and critic. He has received many awards and distinctions; among these, he is a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also a member of the faculty of Princeton University's Program in Creative Writing.

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