BILLY LIAR

First edition, first printing. Signed by the author, and by Sir Tom Courtenay. Publisher's original burgundy cloth with gilt titles to the spine, in the William Belcher designed dustwrapper. A very good copy, the binding square and firm with a little bumping at the spine tips. The contents, with an abrasion to the top edge of the front endpaper (possibly removing an inscription) are otherwise clean throughout. Very mild toning and spotting to the closed text block edge. Complete with the near fine, lightly rubbed dustwrapper that has a small ink mark to the edge of the front flap and is otherwise bright and without fading, loss or tears. Not price-clipped (13s 6d net to the lower front flap).

Signed by the author Keith Waterhouse in black ink underneath his printed name on the title page and additionally signed by Tom Courtenay in blue ink on the half title. Scarce thus. The basis for multiple adaptations for screen, stage and television, most notably the 1963 comedy-drama directed by John Schlesinger starring Tom Courtenay (who had previously played the lead role in the 1961 stage adaptation), Wilfred Pickles and Julie Christie.