London: Hutchinson, 1994

8vo, pp. 259. Original grey boards, lettered in silver to spine. Hippopotamus motif to endpapers. Illustrated dust jacket, author's photographic portrait to rear flap. A fine copy in an all but fine dust jacket with just a little light wear to top edge.

First edition of Fry's second novel, INSCRIBED TO HIS PUBLISHER SUE FREESTONE: 'For my darling Sue -- without you there would be no Hippopotamus, without you my life would be simple, carefree, fun & quiet -- damn you & thank you Stephen Fry xx 30.iii.94'.

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

A fine copy, and a very fine association.