PRACTISE TO DECEIVE

First UK edition, first printing. Signed by the author. Publisher's original purple cloth with silver titles to the spine, in dustwrapper. A very near fine copy, the binding square and firm, the cloth bright and fresh. The contents, lightly toned to the paperstock are otherwise clean throughout and without previous owner's inscriptions or stamps. Complete with the very good rubbed and nicked dustwrapper that is a little faded at the spine. Not price-clipped (21s on the front flap).

Inscribed by George Bradshaw in black ink on the front endpaper "Dear Bernard - / Be well / George". Scarce thus. A collection of thirteen short stories, including 'Venus Rising' which formed the basis of the 1966 hit comedy heist film 'How to Steal a Million' directed by William Wyler and starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole.