PHILIP LARKIN, THE MARVELL PRESS AND ME

First edition, first printing. Signed by the author with, loosely laid in, a Christmas card showing a watercolour by the author and inscribed by her to Eddie and Amy Dawes. Also laid in is a typed note from the publisher to Dawes. Original black cloth lettered in gilt to the spine, in the dustwrapper designed by Stephen Raw, showing a photograph of Philip Larkin standing on the site for the new library at the University of Hull in 1958. A fine copy, the binding square and firm, the contents clean throughout. In the fine, unclipped dustwrapper (£12.95 to the front flap).

Signed and dated by Jean Hartley in black ink to the front free endpaper, "Jean Hartley / May 1989". Hartley (1933-2011), with her husband George, founded the Marvell Press in 1954. In 1955 the press published Larkin's first important collection, 'The Less Deceived'. In 1995, Jean was made vice-chairman of the newly founded Philip Larkin Society. This copy of Hartley's memoir is from the library of the founder and chairman of the Larkin Society, Professor Edwin Dawes. Dawes (1925-2023) was Reckitt Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Hull, later serving as the University's Pro Vice Chancellor, Dean of Science, and later as Chair of the Library Committee. Dawes initially knew Philip Larkin in the latter's capacity as chief librarian at the university, but they soon became good friends. He was also an award-winning magician and historian of magic. The laid in Christmas card, "To Amy and Eddie" dates from 2010, sending "all good wishes / for Christmas and the New Year. / Love from / Jean".