Beckett, Samuel.

8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed in the year of publication by samuel beckett to patrick magee ("for | Pat Magee | in friendship | Sam Beckett | Paris Xmas | 1959"), pages 10 to 18 with marginal markings in ink (presumably by Magee, to indicate stresses and pauses), original green wrappers printed in red and black, dustjacket, doodles and notes in ink on verso of half-title, rear endpaper and lower cover, some duststaining, tears and fraying to covers, both flaps and upper cover detached, traces of tape on spine, stitching loose

Federman & Fletcher 37.1

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. If you require additional information we would recommend viewing the item during the exhibition or contacting one of the specialists for this sale.
"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."

'krapp's" copy of krapp's last tape.

Beckett first drew inspiration for this work from Magee's highly distinctive Irish voice, which he first heard on the BBC Third Programme reading extracts from Molloy and From an Abandoned Work. He wrote the play in the space of a few weeks in early 1958, using the "Magee Monologue" as a working title. In a letter to Magee of 24 March 1958, with which he must have sent the finished script, he referred to it as "your monologue": "...Donald McWhinnie will have told you how much I was moved by your readings...Krapp's face as he listens is of course three quarters of that battle. I made no attempt to indicate its changes and unchangingness, feeling that these could safely be left to you" (see lot 185) . Magee first played Krapp in the British première at the Royal Court Theatre on 28 October 1958, directed by McWhinnie.

The radio play Embers was first broadcast on the BBC Third Programme on 24 June 1959; the cast included Patrick Magee and Jack MacGowran.