FROM THE REPUBLIC OF CONSCIENCE

First edition, first printing. Signed by the author. Publisher's original stapled grey card covers, printed in black and blue. Single illustration in black by John Behan. A near fine copy, the binding square and firm the covers with just a couple of tiny spots and very faint creasing to the upper corner. The contents are clean throughout.

Inscribed by the poet in blue ink on the title page "for Frank / Sláinte! / Seamus / 25th September 1986". The recipient is the editor, Frank Pike, who over four decades, from the 1960s onwards, was responsible for the Faber drama list, recruiting Tom Stoppard, Simon Gray, Brian Friel, Sam Shepard, and Alan Bennett, among others, as well as working closely with authors already publishing with the firm, notably Samuel Beckett. Published on 10 December 1985 in an edition of 2000 copies. (Brandes & Durkan A39).