The Well (First Edition, Presentation Copy, Signed)

A wonderful and personal copy of Jolley's Franklin Award-winning novel. This copy carries an extraordinary and genuinely charming chain of association. A previous owner has inscribed the front free endpaper: "For Basil Porch, from Alma. 1 August 1986. love from Dotty and Edge. Oops! — wrong Bark — Please, ignore any future signatures. A. Thorne," with a further note beneath reading "This is really from me, signed Rennett." Beneath this playful confusion of names and false starts, Jolley herself has inscribed the title page directly to her friend Frank Davidson: "For Frank Davidson, with affection and respect. Elizabeth Jolley. 1 August 1986. I wonder if I could get my name once more on this page — Elizabeth Jolley," apparently amused by the tangle of names already present on the endpaper preceding it. The volume is further accompanied by a personal letter from Jolley to Davidson.

First edition. Winner of the 1986 Miles Franklin Literary Award and the FAW Barbara Ramsden Award for Book of the Year. Octavo. [vi], 176 pp. Original quarter red cloth and black boards. Spine lettered in gilt. Original unclipped dust jacket. Dust jacket unclipped, colours bright, free from rubbing and wear. Some mild foxing on front and rear fold-ins. Binding tight though slightly cocked. Endpapers and text block in near-fine condition. Minor foxing along edges. Otherwise, contents fresh and bright. A wonderful presentation copy.

This book is currently on display in the rare book section of our Penrith store.
If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au