Graves, Robert.

8vo, first edition, first state with the suppressed poem, presentation copy inscribed by the author ("To Shirley from | Robert | 1978"), original salmon cloth, dust-jacket designed by Len Lye, with photography by Alfred Cracknell, spine of jacket torn and slightly chipped

Higginson & Williams A32a; Connolly 61

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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The recipient, Mrs Shirley Martinez, was evidently a family friend. Two autograph letter signed by the writer's wife Beryl (c.1980), as well as two autograph postcards, other letters, some photographs, and an invitation to the poet's Memorial Service at St. James's, Picadilly on 22 January 1986, are included in this lot.

first edition of graves' wartime autobiography which made him famous. "In its original form, this is a searing work of genius in which Graves offers up a heavily rewritten version of his past life upon the altar of his present love" (Oxford DNB).

The first state has the unexpurgated passage on p.290 and the poem by Siegfried Sassoon on pp.341-343.