Beckett, Samuel

8vo, first edition of the author's first published novel, contemporary reviewer's copy, 4pp. of publisher's advertisements at the end, original green cloth, lettered in gilt on the spine, with the ownership signature and notes of the Irish novelist Kate O'Brien, minor browning and some very slight spotting to front endpapers, slight wear to edges and extremities of binding

The Irish novelist and playwright Kate O'Brien (1897-1974), with her ownership signature on front free endpaper ("Kate O'Brien | Roundstone, Co. Galway..."), and a later nine-line note by her opposite the title page ("I reviewed this novel for 'The Spectator' when it appeared in August 1938. Almost the only review of 'Murphy' to appear in England that summer. I was told long after that my review gave Samuel Beckett much pleasure. K. O' B. May 1970").

Kate O'Brien was a very popular writer in the 1930s and 40s (there is a reference to "the latest Kate O'Brien" in the film Brief Encounter), with her novels dealing with issues of female sexuality in a controversial and radical way for the time, leading to The Land of Spices being banned in Ireland upon publication, and Mary Lavelle being banned in both Ireland and Spain. She also wrote plays, film scripts, short stories and travelogues.

Federman & Fletcher 25

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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1,500 copies of the first edition were printed, and sales were good if not brilliant: in the first year 568 copies were sold. Murphy was reviewed favourably. Federman and Fletcher record that "the question of possible binding variants...is somewhat obscure". A second issue in rougher green cloth has been postulated, but the bibliographers can find no evidence of it having been produced.