THE CRUEL SEA

First edition, first printing. Signed by the author. Publisher's original blue cloth with silver titles to the spine, in dustwrapper, retaining the wraparound band. A very good copy, the binding firm, the cloth a little toned to the spine (consistent with the darkening of the dustwrapper), is otherwise clean and fresh. The contents, spotted to the endpaper and half title, and with the occasional isolated spot to the odd page margin are clean throught and without previous owner's marks. Complete with the rubbed, nicked and creased dustwrapper that has small chips at the head of the heavily toned spine. Not price-clipped (12/6 net to to the lower front flap). The publisher's wraparound band remains intact with a single short closed tear and heavy toning.

Inscribed by the author in black ink on the front endpaper "Nicholas Monsarrat / London 1953". Rare thus. Monsarrat's bestselling war novel formed the basis for the 1953 Charles Frend directed film starring Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden, Denholm Elliott, Stanley Baker, Liam Redmond, Virginia McKenna and Moira Lister. Eric Ambler wrote the screenplay. This copy of the first edition was signed by the author at the World premiere of the film in London. Loosely laid in is a letter dated 25 March 1953 reading "Dear Mr. Finch / Just emerged from the turmoil of the 'preview' - and quite unframed remarks are - its terrific. I managed to corner Monsarrat and get your copy signed. He has also given you a seagull for good measure [a small v shaped mark at the top of the front endpaper]. Shame I could not track down another copy. Yours John Knight".