MAUGHAM. MOON AND SIXPENCE, 1919, FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, PRESENTATION COPY, DUST-JACKET, (1 VOL.)

8vo, FIRST EDITION, first impression, first issue with 4pp. of advertisements at the rear in earliest state, PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed by author on half-title ("For | Alexander Quailer | suggested by the life of | a French painter | W. Somerset Maugham "), original sage green cloth, blocked in black, dust-jacket, slipcase, browning, minor chipping to side edge of endpapers, boards slightly soiled, bumped, dust-jacket worn at extremities with small chips to edges

Alexander Quailer (inscription and his gilt morocco bookplate)

Stott A22a

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

The "French painter" mentioned in the inscription is Gauguin who inspired the story of Charles Strickland, the stockbroker who abandons his family to become an artist. Maugham explains this inspiration: "The Moon and Sixpence is not, of course, a life of Paul Gauguin in the form of fiction. It is founded on what I had heard about him, but I used only the main facts of his story and for the rest trusted to such gifts of invention as I was fortunate enough to possess." (1953)