The Divine and the Decay.

Presentation copy of the author's only novel. First edition of the author's first and only novel, lengthily inscribed to a fellow author on the date of publication in blue ink on the front free endpaper, 'Nov 18th 1957 / To my darling Lyn, whom it is as easy to love as it is to talk to. I wish I could inscribe a book to her perhaps a little closer to the standards she expects: but that's probably another three novels hence. That's the trouble with having friends ruthless in their demands and in their discrimination! - they always want more than they have. Anyhow, I write with full confidence in having an inscribed copy of her first novel soon: that, I'm sure, will hit us all with the force of a thunderbolt! If it doesn't, then I hope she won't have the cheek to criticise my books in future. With all love and affection Bill'.

Bill Hopkins was a member of the 'Angry Young Men' in 1950s England, whose work was characterised by an outspoken dissatisfaction with the status quo, and particularly the so-called Political Establishment of the day. This first book from Hopkins received harsh criticism upon publication and was quickly recalled by the publisher, who was reported to have destroyed all known copies in response to allegations that it contained fascistic themes. As such, surviving copies from the publisher's initial print run are rare in commerce, especially inscribed.

First edition, first impression, inscribed by the author on the date of publication; 8vo; unmarked internally; publisher's black cloth, gilt lettering to spine, spine slightly cocked, with the original unclipped dust-jacket, slightly rubbed and soiled, mild toning and spotting to edges of flaps, short closed tear to lower joint, else very good.