Milne, A.A.

original working manuscript with autograph revisions, 85 pages including divisional titles and one correction slip, 4to, inscribed by the author to Vincent Seligman ("My dear Vincent, Whatever else this book is, it is at least the story of a happily married life, and as such may be offered on his wedding day to one for whom we wish an equal happiness… But however unworthy the contents, the manuscript of this play rightly belongs to you who were the first to hear it, act by act as it was written. Yours ever A.A. Milne"), contemporary blue morocco gilt by Bumpus, gilt edges, presentation card with ribbon loosely inserted ("Very best love and all good wishes from Alan + Daphne") on "Mrs A.A. Milne" visiting card, some light soiling, spine slightly faded

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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.
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THE COMPLETE WORKING MANUSCRIPT OF MILNE'S PLAY AND A PIECE WHICH THE AUTHOR CONSIDERED AMONG HIS BEST WORK.

Described by Ann Thwaite as Milne’s "last real success" and "a study of marriage", Michael and Mary was first produced in New York on 10 December 1929 (with a London production opening on 1 February 1930). In the early 1930s, when Milne was asked what he considered his best work he replied "The House at Pooh Corner and Michael and Mary, I think" (see Thwaite, p. 370). A film version was released in 1931 and described by Thwaite as "Milne’s most successful film" (see p. 365). There have been at least four radio productions (1940, 1944, 1948 and 1952) and a BBC television production in 1952.

The play tells of Mary, whose husband has left her, who falls in love with Michael. For the sake of their child, the couple marry illegally (since Mary never divorced her husband) and they enjoy a happily married life for thirty years. Mary's real husband then returns to blackmail them but dies of a heart attack. Michael and Mary lie to the police about his identity but the police decide to investigate further since the husband was in a criminal gang.

Milne did not, generally, part with his manuscripts. In 1922 he presented Mr Pim Passes By to the actress Irene Vanbrugh (sold in these rooms, 18 December 1986, lot 168) and in 1928 he sold The Ivory Door to Carl H. Pforzheimer (sold in these rooms, 18 December 1986, lot 169). In his will, Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner went to Trinity College Cambridge. The collection at the HRHRC comprises manuscript drafts and fragments for over 150 of Milne's works, but does not appear to include any drafts of the present work.