Powell (Anthony) What’s Become of Waring

Boston, Toronto, Little, Brown, [1963].

First US edition, first printing. Inscribed presentation copy from the author, signed additionally by the author. 8vo. Original boards. Dust-jacket, priced $4.00.

Powell’s final pre-war novel (originally published in the UK in 1939), marking the stylistic transition toward the narrative method of his Dance to the Music of Time series. It is regarded as a key precursor text for understanding his later work. The author has inscribed the front free endpaper, ‘Olivia is confirmed in possession of this book / Tony / May, 1965’, very possibly referring to fellow author Olivia Manning, with whom Powell was well acquainted and enjoyed a long correspondence with, including during this period. The author has also flat-signed the title-page.