Maugham, W. Somerset

8vo (185 x 121mm.), first edition, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR ("For | Norman | W. Somerset Maugham | his faithful friend") on the front endpaper, original blue cloth lettered in gilt and black, gilt devices in black, dust-jacket, collector's maroon folding cloth case and matching slipcase, some tiny nicks and tears to edges of jacket, OTHERWISE FINE

Stott A40a

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."

An inscribed presentation copy to the legendary New York book collector Norman Unger, who collected the works of modern authors (and often befriended them, as here) for more than 30 years, and whose collection -- which had predominantly been preserved in tissue in boxes -- was acquired by the Santa Barbara bookseller Maurice Neville in the 1980s.