Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - 1937

First edition, first impression (Heinemann, 1967). Illustrated by Janet and Anne Grahame-Johnstone. Signed, inscribed and dated by the author in the year of publication on the front blank: 'To Cicely Courtneidge, from Dodie Smith "Dear Octopus", Theatre Royal, Haymarket, 1967'. The inscription refers to Smith's play 'Dear Octopus', which was revived in 1967 for the fiftieth wedding anniversary of the comedy actors Dame Cicely Courtneidge and Jack Hubert. Dodie Smith's married name, 'Mrs Beesley', Dodie Smith's married name is also written in ink in another hand to the front flap of the dust jacket. Additionally a postcard from the author is loosely inserted: 'Dearest Cis, Here is "The Starlight Barking" as a tiny first night present. It's also intended as a get well present to your dear poodle - I trust you'll be able to use Bill's line and say "The dog liked it". Bless you and thank you for your lovable, funny and altogether admirable performance as "Dora". Much love as ever, Dodie". 8vo, publisher's… Read More

A complete set of the five books comprising The Avignon Quintet, all of which are first editions, first impressions and are either signed or signed and inscribed by the author. A little rubbing in places and a couple of small nicks to the dust jackets of the first two volumes. The remaining volumes are all fine in fine dust jackets. A near fine set overall with attractive jacket illustrations by David Gentleman.

First edition, first impression (Chatto & Windus, 2019). A limited edition published simultaneously with the first trade edition and consisting of only 100 numbered copies to be signed by the author, of which this is number 22. Joint winner of the 2019 Booker Prize and the sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale'. The book is swiss bound in green and white cloth with navy blue endpapers and sprayed green edges with the book title together with the author's name debossed on the upper board. The book is housed in a navy blue cloth clamshell case with a magnetic catch, contains a navy blue ribbon to facilitate removal of the book, and features marbled top and bottom edges and interior. A very attractive production in fine condition and in its original box, which is also in excellent condition.

First edition, first or second impression (Frederick Warne & Co, 1906).
A very good copy with some areas of unobtrusive rubbing to board surface and corners and a very small retailer sticker to bottom corner of rear paste-down. Some cracking to binding at page 30-31, but all pages still holding firm throughout. Contents very nice and clean and free from any previous owner names or inscriptions.

First UK edition, first impression (Heinemann, 1937). Bound in full green morocco by the Cottage Bindery of Bath. Top edge gilt; raised bands with gilt compartments; gilt borders to upper and lower covers with a pictorial on-lay to the upper cover replicating the original illustration from the UK first edition dust jacket in colour. Housed in a blue cloth slipcase. A fine book with a little very light and isolated spotting to preliminaries. A beautiful example of a rare edition in an extremely attractive, well-executed and unique binding.

First edition, first impression (Heinemann, 1967). Illustrated by Janet and Anne Grahame-Johnstone. Signed, inscribed and dated by the author in the year of publication on the front blank: 'To Cicely Courtneidge, from Dodie Smith "Dear Octopus", Theatre Royal, Haymarket, 1967'. The inscription refers to Smith's play 'Dear Octopus', which was revived in 1967 for the fiftieth wedding anniversary of the comedy actors Dame Cicely Courtneidge and Jack Hubert. Dodie Smith's married name, 'Mrs Beesley', Dodie Smith's married name is also written in ink in another hand to the front flap of the dust jacket. Additionally a postcard from the author is loosely inserted: 'Dearest Cis, Here is "The Starlight Barking" as a tiny first night present. It's also intended as a get well present to your dear poodle - I trust you'll be able to use Bill's line and say "The dog liked it". Bless you and thank you for your lovable, funny and altogether admirable performance as "Dora". Much love as ever, Dodie". 8vo, publisher's… Read More

A complete set of the five books comprising The Avignon Quintet, all of which are first editions, first impressions and are either signed or signed and inscribed by the author. A little rubbing in places and a couple of small nicks to the dust jackets of the first two volumes. The remaining volumes are all fine in fine dust jackets. A near fine set overall with attractive jacket illustrations by David Gentleman.

First edition, first impression (Chatto & Windus, 2019). A limited edition published simultaneously with the first trade edition and consisting of only 100 numbered copies to be signed by the author, of which this is number 22. Joint winner of the 2019 Booker Prize and the sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale'. The book is swiss bound in green and white cloth with navy blue endpapers and sprayed green edges with the book title together with the author's name debossed on the upper board. The book is housed in a navy blue cloth clamshell case with a magnetic catch, contains a navy blue ribbon to facilitate removal of the book, and features marbled top and bottom edges and interior. A very attractive production in fine condition and in its original box, which is also in excellent condition.

First edition, first or second impression (Frederick Warne & Co, 1906).
A very good copy with some areas of unobtrusive rubbing to board surface and corners and a very small retailer sticker to bottom corner of rear paste-down. Some cracking to binding at page 30-31, but all pages still holding firm throughout. Contents very nice and clean and free from any previous owner names or inscriptions.

First UK edition, first impression (Heinemann, 1937). Bound in full green morocco by the Cottage Bindery of Bath. Top edge gilt; raised bands with gilt compartments; gilt borders to upper and lower covers with a pictorial on-lay to the upper cover replicating the original illustration from the UK first edition dust jacket in colour. Housed in a blue cloth slipcase. A fine book with a little very light and isolated spotting to preliminaries. A beautiful example of a rare edition in an extremely attractive, well-executed and unique binding.