Markham, Beryl

8vo (8 x 5 1/2 in.; 203 x 140 mm). Text block very lightly browned. Publisher's blue-green cloth, lettered in black; very light fading at spine and edges, very light spotting at right margin of front free endpaper. Original pictorial dust-jacket; some wear and rubbing at edges and extremities.

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

First edition, presentation copy, inscribed,"For Carlton Posey — With all good wishes.  Beryl Markham. Nov. 1944."  (Also inscribed in an unidentified hand, "and love from Mom!").

In a letter of 27 August 1942 to Max Perkins, Ernest Hemingway raved about this book: "Did you read … West with the Night?  I knew her fairly well in Africa and never would have suspected that she could and would put pen to paper except to write in her flyer's log book.  As it is, she has written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer …. this girl … can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers …. I wish you would get it and read it because it is really a bloody wonderful book" (Selected Letters, ed. Carlos Baker, p. 541). 

Beryl Markham was Africa's first female thoroughbred horse trainer and its first woman bush pilot.  In 1936 she became the first person to fly the Atlantic solo from east to west.