Beckett, Samuel.

8vo (185 x 117mm.), first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Alan Clodd ("from | Samuel Beckett | for | Alan Clodd | Paris Oct. 1971"), original white printed wrappers printed in black and blue, original glassine jacket, preserved in black cloth chemise and matching slipcase, extremely minor browning to covers but still a very fine copy

Federman & Fletcher 259

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Presentation copy of Beckett's powerfully symbolic portrayal of the human condition: his most celebrated work, his first stage play, and the one which launched his world-wide fame. 

Loosely inserted is the apparently unrecorded "Le Livre du Mois... de la Société des Lecteurs" wrap-around band for February 1953, with accompanying quote by Audiberti ("Un ouvrage parfait qui mérite un triomphe").

Godot, now established as one of the most influential dramatic works of the twentieth century, was first published in this French edition in 1952, first staged in French in Paris in 1953, and then first performed in English at the Arts Theatre in London in 1955.

The recipient Alan Clodd (1918-2002), grandson of Edward Clodd (friend of Meredith, Gissing and Hardy), was an Irish publisher, book collector and dealer, who worked with the Friends Ambulance Unit in Egypt in the Second World War and latterly lived in London, where he worked in the book trade, at the London Library and finally as a publisher (creating the distinguished Enitharmon Press). The bulk of his fine book collection, comprising over 20,000 volumes, was dispersed through Maggs Bros.