Everyone Knows Somebody Who's Dead; [Association Copy W/ ALS, TLS & Corrected Blurb Typescript to Ronald Hayman]

Large 8vo 9" - 10" tall; 13 pages; Covent Garden Press, 1973. Original printed wrappers. Number 47 of 100 signed and numbered copies from a total edition of 600. Laid in is a small but significant group of publication-related material from Johnson to his editor, Ronald Hayman, including an ALS and TLS, both on Johnson's letterhead and dated September 19, 1972. The TLS is headed "Suggested blurb for story EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEBODY WHO'S DEAD" and the proposed blurb text corresponds almost exactly to the text ultimately printed on the inside cover of the published volume, documenting its development from authorial draft to final appearance in print. The ALS of the same date apologizes for delays in correspondence owing to time spent on holiday. Also present is a contemporary promotional and biographical mimeograph, "Topical Tapes — The World of Books," detailing Johnson's writings and activities. The collection further retains a Bell, Book & Radmall bookseller's slip and a later penciled note on the TLS comparing the wording of the proposed blurb with the published text. Together the materials form a striking archive of Johnson's correspondence with Hayman, linking author and editor directly and preserving an unusual record of the preparation and promotion of one of Johnson's final separately issued works. Superficial shelf tap top front corner; else Fine.…