[O'Brian, Patrick] Russ, Patrick

8vo (204 x 158mm.), FIRST EDITION OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST BOOK, colour frontispiece illustration and illustrations in the text by Harry Rountree, original red cloth lettered in dark green, dust-jacket (? second issue with price 2/6), brown cloth folding box, slight wear to dust-jacket with neat repairs at head and base of spine

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.
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.

Patrick O'Brian's first book, published when he was fifteen years old, under his original name Patrick Russ. This was followed by other animal stories, published in Boy's Annuals and magazines. The author would have to wait until 1967, when he was asked by J.B. Lippincott to write a naval adventure set during the Napoleonic wars, to achieve fame in subsequent years through his series of Master and Commander novels, published between 1969 and 2004. O'Brian had suppressed his pre-war life, and no connection had been made between the works of Patrick Russ, Irishman and Patrick O'Brian, Londoner until 1998/99, when biographical research revealed that they were, in fact, one and the same person.