Maugham, W. Somerset

8vo (183 x 124mm.), FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR ("For Fred | from W. Somerset Maugham | these stories based on my | experiences in the Secret Service | during the first war") on the front endpaper, original blue cloth lettered in gilt, PICTORIAL DUST-JACKET, collector's brown cloth case, slight wear to edges of cloth and jacket, small hole to lower joint of jacket

Stott A37a

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."

The recipient is Fred Bason, a London book collector and admirer of Maugham's work. "[Bason] first wrote to Maugham in 1928, and the two finally met in May 1930. In 1931, he compiled the initial bibliography of Maugham's work. Bason functioned as Maugham's resource for Cockney life and language, and thus the two became close friends" (Samuel J. Rogal, A William Somerset Maugham Encyclopaedia).

A RARE INSCRIBED COPY IN JACKET OF THE HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL COLLECTION OF SPY STORIES WHICH INSPIRED A WHOLE GENERATION OF WRITERS, including Ian Fleming, John le Carre and Eric Ambler.