The Birthday Party

PINTER, Harold

Published by Encore Publishing Co, London, 1959

About this Item

First edition. A trifle rubbed, still fine in wrappers. The uncommon true first edition of Pinter's first play. Inscribed by him to his first wife Vivien Merchant: "Dec. 59 To Vivien, Love D." The "D." is for David. Pinter, who was also an actor, used the stage name David Baron and almost all his early material inscribed to Merchant is signed thus. Neither this edition, nor the first trade edition published by Methuen in England contained a printed dedication. However, the first American edition, *The Birthday Party & The Room: Two Plays*, the first edition to contain a printed dedication, was dedicated to Merchant. Thus, to our lights, this could with fairness be considered the Dedication Copy of the Nobel laureate's first book - it is certainly as close to one as could exist. An exceptional association copy of a very uncommon book. Housed in custom full cloth clamshell box.

Seller Inventory # 278871

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Birthday Party
• Publisher: Encore Publishing Co, London
• Publication Date: 1959
• Binding: Softcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Drama