London: Hutchinson, 1993

8vo, pp. 407. Original dark green boards, lettered in silver to spine. Grey endpapers. Illustrated dust jacket, author's photographic portrait to rear flap. A fine, unread copy in a very good dust jacket with a little wear to top edge.

First edition, second impression, INSCRIBED BY FAULKS TO HIS PUBLISHER, SUE FREESTONE: 'For Sue with thanks for your care and help with this book and much love from Sebastian. September 16, 1993'. The author's fourth novel.

Sue Freestone, publishing director at Heinemann, Hutchinson and Quercus over the course of her career, guided the early -- and then mature -- careers of many authors who became best sellers. As well as Faulks her list included Douglas Adams, Robert Harris and Stephen Fry. She also saw into print the books of political figures, among them Alastair Campbell, Tony Benn and Bill Clinton.

A superb association copy of Faulks' breakout book.