London: Hutchinson, 1996

8vo, pp. 309. Original black boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Illustrated dust jacket, photographic portrait of the author to rear flap. A fine copy in a near fine dust jacket with just a little light wear to top edge.

First edition, INSCRIBED BY FAULKS TO HIS PUBLISHER SUE FREESTONE: 'to Sue Under-inked, over-worked and over here -- With many thanks for your wonderful help and support And love from Sebastian 19.iv.96'.

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 fine copy, with an association to match.