About this Item
First edition, first printing. Published by W.H. Allen in London, 1958. This is a very near fine copy. The famous dustwrapper, illustrated by Mona Moore and depicting Arthur Seaton and Doreen, is bright and clean to it's limits. It has not been price clipped and shows the original 'W.H. Alen 13s 6d net' price in bold, red lettering. There is some slight professional restorative work at the top of the spine, pasted into a near-seamless colour match. There are some very slight handling marks to the rear panel and very slight abrasion to the front. The boards are free from notable chips and marks, beautifully bound in the publisher's red buckram with gilt titling. There is one small crease at the tail end of the spine, and the corners are so lightly bumped. The text blocks are immaculate and free from foxing. The author's signature is boldly flat signed in black ink to the full title page. Overall, this is a very near fine copy of a seminal working-class work. The accompanying letters, one of which is with the original envelope, are entirely written in Sillitoe's hand. They are addressed to a Mr. A. Azzini, who presumably sent the author his book and accompanying request to be signed. The enveloped letter (with accompanying French stamps) reads: 'St-Pargoire August 1st. 1989. Dear Mr. Azzini, your letter has been passed on to me here in France for which many thanks. I shall be back in England early in October, so if you would contact me again at that time I will sign your book*. I shall be at: 14 Ladbroke Terr London W11 3PG > All best wishes, Alan Sillitoe. *With appropriate return postage!'. The author's 'S' in this instance varies from his typical signature and is written with a flourish to the hand. The second letter reads: '14 Ladbroke Terr. London W.11. 3PG, Dear Mr. Azzini, I am now back in London so can sign your books whenever you care to send them. Sincerely, Alan Sillitoe'. Shorter than the first, Sillitoe's signature still flourishes. The accompanying handmade clamshell box is in fine condition and crafted by Heritage Bindery in California. Beautifully constructed in quarter calf with raised bands at the spine and marble-effect paper, which is finely detailed with gold. The gilt titling on the spine gives the novel's title, year of publication and states that it is a 'Signed Copy'. The corners are slightly bumped but otherwise it is fine. Successfully made into a film starring the legend Albert Finney. Rare Author's first novel and unbelievably scarce signed. Originally titled 'The Adventures of Arthur Seaton', the idea came to Sillitoe when chatting to poet Robert Graves, who in response to Sillitoe's worries cooly suggested he wrote about the place he knew best Nottingham. Featuring possibly the best opening to any British novel.
Seller Inventory # 16512
Contact seller
Report this item
