8vo. 224pp. Original publisher's burgundy cloth lettered in gilt, with the A. E. Barlow dustwrapper. Spine cocked and faded with other markings, with some wear and staining to wrapper, with old repairs to verso. Pencil inscription '[heart] for Precious May' and underneath in ink '& also a word from the author: in memory of a very happy evening in July 1950,. H. E. Bates.'

An inscribed copy of H.E Bates' (1905-1974) eighth novel, and first financial success. Bates went on to have a prolific and varied career; he is best remembered now for both The Darling Buds of May, and My Uncle Silas. Commissioned into the RAF during the Second World War, originally as Flying Officer 'X', further suppressed works written for the Air Ministry during this period are still coming to light.