First Edition. HERBERT, A. P. | Holy Deadlock. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1934. Presentation Copy, Inscribed by the Author.

An exceptional presentation and association copy of A. P. Herbert's politically significant 1934 novel, personally inscribed by the author to the distinguished British modernist and Vorticist artist Edward Wadsworth (1889–1949) and his family. The title page bears Herbert's bold presentation inscription: “To Edward, Fanny, and all the Tribe of Wadsworth with love from Alan Herbert. April 5 1934.” Laid into the volume is an incredibly rare, unfaded Methuen & Co. publisher’s slip addressed “Dear Edward”, featuring a further handwritten personal message signed “Alan”: Political and Legal Significance: Holy Deadlock occupies a vital place in British social and legal history. Herbert masterfully used satire to expose the absurdities and injustices of English divorce law—specifically a rigid system that forced couples into staged evidence, collusion, and the notorious practice of "hotel divorces." The book became a catalyst for the public campaign for legal reform. Parliamentary accounts and academic scholarship widely credit the novel with shifting public opinion by exposing the realities of the existing system. Herbert entered the House of Commons as an Independent MP for Oxford University in 1935, directly using the momentum of this novel to launch his legislative campaign. His efforts culminated in the landmark Matrimonial Causes Act of 1937, which finally extended the grounds for divorce to include desertion, cruelty, and incurable insanity. The historical significance of this copy is twofold: it represents a watershed moment in British social reform, preserved within a remarkable, intimate association linking two major figures of inter-war British cultural life. Provenance: From the private library of Edward and Fanny Wadsworth family, featuring the distinctive Celtic-knot "Ex Libris Barbara Wadsworth" bookplate on the front pastedown. Estate origin definitively verified by the consigning auction house, offering an unbroken, direct chain of custody from the family estate to the market. Condition: • Binding: Fair. Original red cloth boards with gilt spine lettering. The exterior is worn, with fading, rubbing, and typical shelf wear. There is significant loss and fraying to the cloth at the head of the spine exposing the underlying binding material, with minor wear to the spine foot and corners. Lacks the dust jacket. • Internal: Very Good. The text block remains tight and square. Pages are exceptionally clean for their age, with mild expected toning and light, occasional spotting. Herbert’s presentation inscription and the loose publisher's note are beautifully preserved, crisp, and completely legible. Notes: Further books from this verified Wadsworth family collection are available separately. Please contact Cranston & Perry if you are interested in acquiring or discussing the wider library. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description. Shipping: International shipping costs are estimated. Additional charges may apply due to size or weight. We will confirm any extra postage costs with the buyer before processing the order.…