PHILIP LARKIN, THE MARVELL PRESS AND ME

First edition, first printing. Signed by the author. 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 near fine copy, the binding square and firm, the contents clean throughout. In the unclipped dustwrapper (£12.95 to the front flap) showing light wear to edges and a couple of small tears to lower outer corners.

Inscribed by the author too the verso of the half title, "To Dick Gorlin / with best wishes / from Jean Hartley / December 1991". The recipient appears to be the distinguished American cardiologist, Richard Gorlin (1926-1997). Jean Hartley (1933-2011), with her husband George, founded the Marvell Press in 1954 and, in 1955, published Philip Larkin's first important collection, 'The Less Deceived'. In 1995, Jean was made vice-chairman of the newly founded Philip Larkin Society.