The Collector PROOF COPY SIGNED

Little Brown Boston, 1963 Rare as hen's teeth, this is the Advance Reading Copy of a great and celebrated first novel. It is not perfect in any conventional sense; the sun has faded the cover and the spine has an area of damage at the top. It looks as if it has been greedily read, without any care being taken. It is undoubtedly well used, and the cover was printed on low quality paper. The text is much better, but because it was 'only a proof' I would guess it was sent to somebody in the publishing business who obviously devoured it. It is that kind of book. An early Fowles that is difficult to put down until you have finished it. But apart from the obvious faults it is also the real thing, a not for sale advance copy, and with a rare signature by way of a pasted in bookplate, and the great man has written 'Lyme Regis' under his name. This seaside town in Devon, England, was where Fowles lived. I remember going there to see him. The book also has a neat former owner's signature. This is a keen price for such an extreme rarity. I doubt there is another US proof that is signed. Consequently this is a much sought after work in its rarest state, and possibly unique.I think of it as a relic of great archival interest. 0.0 0.0 0.0. Signed by Author. Special ADVANCE PROOF Edition. Soft cover. Fair/Dust Jacket Included.