Graves, Robert

8vo (181 x 123mm.), first edition, first impression, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO LIEUTENANT OWEN M. ROBERTS ("Lieut. O.M. Roberts. | 2nd. R.W. Fus. | from | Robert Graves | If it hadn't been for you, butty, | this book would be unwritten. | see page 63") on front endpaper, with autograph dedication preceding the poem "Escape" on p.63 ("Dedicated to O.M.Roberts...in grateful memory of July 20 1916"), original red cloth, dust-jacket (supplied), collector's quarter morocco clamshell box, repair to first gathering (with remains of earlier tape repair in gutter), occasional spotting, binding slightly discoloured, foot of spine repaired, slight browning to jacket

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."

INSCRIBED BY GRAVES TO THE FELLOW SOLDIER WHO ASSISTED HIM AFTER HIS INJURIES SUSTAINED AT THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME ON 20 JULY 1916. Graves was so badly wounded in the lung by a piece of shell fragment passing through his shoulder and chest that he was initially left for dead and was later able to read his own obituary in The Times.

"...But I was dead, an hour or more.
I woke when I'd already passed the door
That Cerberus guards, and half-way down the road
To Lethe, as an old Greek signpost showed..."
(the opening to "Escape")