The Gentleman In the Parlour. MAUGHAM (W. Somerset).

WITH A TYPED LETTER FROM MAUGHAM

A Record of a Journey from Rangoon to Haiphong.

First Edition. 8vo. [202 x 145 x 35 mm]. [2]ff, 276pp. Bound in the publisher's original black cloth, the spine lettered in gilt. (Slightly out of square, a few minor marks, endleaves browned).
London: William Heinemann Ltd, 1930.

Some light spotting and foxing. With a Times Book Club label at the rear. With the ink signature of Kate Syrett. There is a loosely inserted type letter signed by Maugham to Kate Syrett, sent from the Dorchester Hotel on 20th October 1946, in the original envelope. He writes: "I see no reason whatever why you should not edit Jack's manuscripts [sic] in any way you wish. His talent was ill regulated and I think you could probably greatly improve any work he has left by cutting out all irrelevant matter. It would certainly greatly increase the chances of publication. Professional editors are tired, and impatient when they receive a manuscript that is rambling or verbose. they are very likely to discard it without realising that with a little attention it can be made very readable". Kate Syrett has written on the back of the envelope: "This was kind".

Stock no. ebc8066