THE INDISPENSABLE JULIAN RATHBONE (First UK edition - first impression)

First impression of the true first edition, with the full number string: 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 on the printer's page. Interestingly, there's an error as 'A paperback original' is stated at the top of the printer's page! There was also a trade paperback edition. With an Introduction by Mike Phillips. ***Near fine in black cloth-covered boards with silver titles to the spine. The boards are clean and unmarked. Tail of spine slightly creased but no serious bumps or creases. Corners sharp. No reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Page block edges slightly foxed and tanned. Internally also near fine with no previous ownership inscriptions. No internal foxing. Pages clean. No creases or tears. Paper stock lightly tanned. ***In a near fine illustrated dustwrapper, which has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of £17.99. The dustwrapper has no discernible faults - just a light crease at the tail of the spine, but no major creases, and no chips or tears. Dustwrapper bright. ***223mm x 140mm. 459 pages plus a two-page publisher's advert at the back of the book. ***'Julian Christopher Rathbone (10 February 1935 - 28 February 2008) was an English novelist. Having originally aspired to be an actor or a painter, Rathbone had also taken up writing and by the end of the 1960s had had three novels published, all set in Turkey and informed by his knowledge of the country. In 1973 Rathbone gave up teaching and left for Spain with the woman who would become his wife and lifelong companion, determined to make his living by writing. Back in England and after some financially lean years Rathbone found his tenacity beginning to pay off. Booker Prize short-listings in 1976 and 1979 brought critical recognition, and although major commercial success remained elusive Rathbone's work appeared regularly, gaining a loyal readership and increasing popularity both at home and abroad. His novels continued to display interests and talents across several genres, from mainstream through thrillers to historical fiction. Rathbone wrote in different genres and "refused to be pigeonholed --- his output included crime novels, eco-thrillers, future fiction, film scripts and quirky historical narratives, and he also edited a fine non-fiction work about the Duke of Wellington"' (Wiki) ***'At last, the collected "best of" from one of Britain's most successful and accomplished literary talents, chosen by and with a commentary from the author himself.' (Quote taken from the front flap of the dustwrapper). ***'7. A Periodic Obsession - In March 1956 I met Sylvia Plath in Cambridge. We had both been invited to join a Pooh Club. The first meeting was behind St John's on a small footbridge over a brook that ran into the Cam. We were the first arrivals. "Are you here to join the Pooh Club?" "Yes." "Shall we play Pooh Sticks while we wait for the others?" "All right." As I remember, and I may have this wrong, we all know how creative memory can be, her hair was blonde (dyed, though I didn't know that at the time), her face was carefully made-up and she was wearing a flared light blue coat. Sort of Sandra Dee, but more classy. I met her three more times, all in the University Library, and on one occasion we had coffee together in the basement cafeteria. As far as I know that particular Pooh Club did not catch on.' (Quote taken from the text) ***First impression of the true first edition, complete in the original dustwrapper, in near fine condition. An uncommon book. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc. …