The First UK printing published by Macmillan & Co.Ltd, London in 1957. The author’s uncommon debut novel. The BOOK is in near Fine condition and appears unread. Original cloth, light spotting to the upper text-block otherwise clean. A hint of fading to the extreme spine tips. The striking WRAPPER is complete and is in near Fine condition. A few light spots to the lower panel with some slight toning and minor rubbing at the extremities. A very tiny minor abrasion to the text letter 'P' on the upper spine, otherwise in exceptional condition. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been signed (without dedication) by the author on the title page. The author Evelyn Waugh described this novel as 'brilliantly original and fascinating'. Very scarce to find with these attributes with less than a handful of signed copies having appeared at auction in the last 20 years.