First edition, third state, as is most usually found. With six titles listed to the verso of the title page and this work to the publisher’s adverts at the rear. With the “f” on the spine uncrossed.

With an autograph letter signed by Hope tipped in. The letter is dated 25 June 1909 and is addressed to Henry Lucy. “My dear Lucy, My heartiest congratulations to you and Mrs Lucy. I believe the Prime Minister must have been enjoying you book as I have. Do write that other volume! Yours very truly Anthony H Hawkins. Please don’t trouble to acknowledge. You’ll be busy!”

8vo., original red cloth lettered in gilt on spine and upper board. Spine a little sunned otherwise a very good copy.

Henry Lucy was a renowned satirist and parliamentary sketch writer of his age. The letter refers to Lucy’s ‘Memories of Eight Parliaments’. Hope’s reference to Prime Minister H.H. Asquith is not merely name-dropping. Hope trained as a lawyer and barrister, being called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1887. He served his pupillage under the future Liberal Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, who thought him a promising barrister and who was disappointed by his decision to turn to writing.