[Lewis, C.S.] "Clive Hamilton".

8vo, first edition, 6 leaves of publisher's catalogue ("A list of Poetry") at end, original blue cloth lettered in gilt on spine, collector's blue morocco-backed solander box, spine in compartments, some browning and occasional soiling, ownership signature, binding worn and soiled, head and foot of spine frayed

Brown 1

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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 legendary rarity comprising a first edition of c.s. lewis' first book.

Also included is a typed letter signed ("C.S. Lewis") noting that "the first book of mine published - under the name of Clive Hamilton - was a volume of verse, Spirits in Bondage... The first book which I published as C.S. Lewis was The Pilgrim's Regress..." Lewis explains his pseudonym by noting "My mother's name was Hamilton" (oblong 8vo, Magdalen College, Oxford, 16 June 1950), mounted, framed and glazed.

Edwin W. Brown, in his bibliographical  section of In Pursuit of C.S. Lewis, Bloomington: AuthorHouse, 2006, notes "Although the few reviews of the book appeared in such first-class papers as The Times and The Scotsman and were quite favourable, the book did not sell well, and after a few years the publisher destroyed most of the copies. The book is extremely rare today - I have known of only a half-dozen copies to have appeared on the market in the past 15-20 years."