PATRICK O'BRIAN. CRITICAL APPRECIATIONS AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY

First edition. Trade issue. Inscribed presentation copy. Signed by the author Patrick O'Brian and one of the contributors. Publisher's original blue cloth with gilt titles to the spine, in the Geoff Hunt illustrated dustwrapper. A near fine copy, the binding firm with mild bumping at the spine tips, the cloth bright and fresh. The contents, with a presentation bookplate from Patrick O'Brian on the reverse of the blue front endpaper, and a contributor's presentation inscription on the half-title, are otherwise clean throughout. Complete with the bright original dustwrapper that is a little rubbed and creased to the top edge.

Inscribed by the author in black ink on a bookplate fixed to the reverse of the front endpaper "To Trevor Rowell / with best wishes / Patrick O'Brian / 23.vi.95". Further inscribed in purple ink on the half title ""This saga.... adds up to one of the great achievements of contemporary fiction" / For Trevor Rowell / In appreciation. / Easter 1996". A compilation of essays in an appreciation of Patrick O'Brian's writing life. As well as an autobiographical essay, it also includes two short stories by the author. Other contributors include eminent academics such as N. A. M. Rodger and Brian Lavery, historian and author Richard Ollard amongst other admirers and critics, including the actor and director Charlton Heston. With a bibliography by Arthur Cunningham. The trade edition was issued in April 1994, in an edition of 1000 copies, plus 250 slipcased 'collectors' copies, and 50 numbered and specially bound copies signed by Patrick O'Brian, of which only 30 were for sale.