MAUGHAM, W. Somerset

• The Hero. Published by Hutchinson & Co., London in 1901. An association copy, inscribed by Maugham to Mabel.

Description

• Original red cloth, spine and front cover lettered in gilt, front cover stamped with the author's Moorish talismanic symbol also in gilt. Octavo. Housed in a clamshell presentation box. Spine somewhat faded, professional conservation work to spine with cracking completely stabilised; corners slightly bumped. Neat, professional restoration to the front inner joint. A very good copy.

• First edition, first impression, first state, with the Moorish symbol on the front cover printed upside down. This error occurred during the initial print run and was rapidly corrected, making this state exceptionally scarce. The Hero is historically significant as the first of Maugham’s novels to feature his signature talismanic design. Superstition suggests that turning the protective talisman upside down brings about inverse luck. The Hero was not a critical or commercial success. Despite this initial bad luck, Maugham stuck with the symbol once it was oriented correctly. It became his universal trademark for the next 60 years. It was printed on the covers and title pages of nearly all his subsequent masterpieces.

• Presentation copy, inscribed by Maugham on the front endpaper: 'Mabel / With best love / WM / June 26th 1901.'

• From the collection of an important family library of novels, given directly to relatives and close associates; thence by family descent within the Maugham family line.