The Screwtape Letters. C.S. Lewis. First Edition, Third Printing. Geoffrey Bles, London, March 1942. Inscribed by C.S. Lewis.
One-of-a-kind association copy of the 1st Edition 3rd Printing of The Screwtape Letters w/ an incredible inscription from C.S Lewis himself. Handwritten, signed letter from C.S. Lewis to Mr. Danter, dated 26 September 1942 from Magdalen College, Oxford, in response to a letter, sent him from Mr. Danter, thanking him for his kindness, “It gives a kind of pleasure that may be bad for my soul!” Lewis also suggests visiting the author of the letter, “If you find yourself with an hour to spare in Oxford.”
Previously owned by Hicks and Danter were early Screwtape enthusiasts, one note on the front free endpaper, “I have bought several copies of this book, and given them, or lent them to others. It is extremely interesting to note their reaction to it. Their opinion of it may be used as a test of people’s honesty.” They also recorded the lengthy opinions of two of those they lent the book to in September 1942 on rear glue down. Lengthy obituary of C.S. Lewis affixed to front and verso of first free endpaper. Each chapter is titled in the same handwriting of Hicks and Danter.
An important and best-selling novel, dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien. 160 pages. It was printed by Geoffrey Bles in London, March 1942.
Black cloth boards bumped, rubbed, and worn, with spotting and fading. The spine is nearly detached with the paper title label to the spine now faded and worn. Toning to the fore-edge of the text block remains tight. . Printed under wartime restrictions on paper. Inscription of previous owners, Edwin Hicks and Harold Danter, London, June 1st 1942, to front glue down.
It is a remarkably unique collector’s item that is certain to be a sound investment and a once-in-a-lifetime treasure for any true C.S Lewis collector. Includes a custom clamshell case.
