Published by Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1995. A two-item set comprising the uncorrected proof copy which precedes all editions and the scarce first issue of the UK trade hardcover.
Uncorrected Proof Copy: Softcover with printed wrappers, the front cover featuring a photographic portrait of the author. An unread copy — no reading creases to the spine, tight and square. Trivial creases to the corners. Signed directly to the title page by John le Carré. Fine.
First Issue Hardcover: The first issue of the UK edition - reportedly the 1000 copies printed were diverted to airport bookshops and exported by the publisher due to the author's dislike of the dustjacket design.
Black boards with gilt titles, 347 pages with ribbon marker.
A nice copy. The binding is creakingly tight and square, the spine tips nicely rounded and the corners sharp - no reading crease to the backstrip. The block is just lightly toned but there is a degree of waviness to the fore-edge. No owner names etc. Fine or very near it. The dustjacket is unclipped and without loss - small split at the bottom corner of the front panel. There is a minor crease across the front panel near the bottom edge. Both issues difficult to spot, Near Fine at least.
