London: Secker & Warburg, 1953. First edition, first printing. This is a very good copy. In the exceptional dust jacket, depicting Charles Lumley's numerous careers as he descends the social ladder. Light handling marks throughout, and some mild wear at the corners and spine tips. It has not been price clipped (12s. 6d. net). One bump at the edge which translates to the boards. The boards are, bump aside, clean in the publishers red cloth. The text blocks are notably clean. There is some slight tape residue to the rear endpapers. The author, John Wain, inscribes this copy: Ernest Randall | best wishes from | John Wain | mcmlvii in blue ink. Overall, this is a very good copy of a scarce signed title. Wain's first novel. It cemented itself in the Angry Young Men movement by association with the anti-establishment attitude conveyed by protagonist Charles Lumley (seen on the jacket burning his university degree). It is incredibly funny, and I will say, well within my top five favourite books.