Lawrence, David Herbert

large 8vo, FIRST EDITION, NUMBER 853 OF 1,000 COPIES, SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR, original mulberry paper boards, device of the phoenix in black on upper board, printed paper label on spine, remnants of dust-jacket (panels and section of spine) loosely inserted, chip at foot of spine, otherwise a fine copy

Connolly 57; Roberts A42a (variant 1)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

According to Connolly, "Lawrence fully intended to shock and expected his book to be banned". Lady Chatterley's Lover was printed in Florence in the spring of 1928, and distributed through those of Lawrence's friends who were prepared to circulate his order forms. Rumours of police raids led to many booksellers cancelling their orders over the summer, but despite this, the run of 1,000 copies sold out in December.