Aforesaid Bates : Inscribed to Heathcote Williams, and with a covering TLS

Mimeographed rehearsal script, pp. 47, printed on rectos only, bound in red stiff paper wrappers. Typed title label, author's name added in pencil. 1p. TLS on headed stationery of the University of Alberta. Outsize wrappers a little worn and marked, but contents well preserved. TLS stained red in places from long contact with the play's wrappers. INSCRIBED BY TARVER TO HEATHCOTE WILLIAMS: 'For Heathcote Williams -- "Always whittle away from you, And never spit into the wind!" J. Ben Tarver'. TLS FROM TARVER TO WILLIAMS LAID IN. Ben Tarver [1927-2013] taught playwriting at the University of Alberta, and had an off-Broadway success with the musical Man with a Load of Mischief in 1966. His letter to Heathcote Williams, dated 20 October 1981, presenting this script reads: 'Heathcote, I've felt guilty ever since Henry misplaced that book meant for you -- or gave it to someone else or some such likely story. I felt I had to send you something. You've always been so generous and gracious with me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE IMMORTALIST. A potent little piece, and very funny. The enclosed is no match for it, I reckon, but at least I've tried to return the favor. All the best. Keep in touch. Don't know when I'll be back in merry olde, but I'll certainly buz you. [signed] Ben'. We can find no record of this play ever having been staged.…