London, Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1946. First Edition. First Impression. Hardback. A good copy. A presentation copy from the author. Inscription reads "wishing you everything you most wish for yourselves - from Mervyn Peake, 1947". The front free endpaper has been removed, somewhat roughly. Presented to actors Dorothy Hyson and Anthony Quayle as a wedding gift. Presentation copies are very much uncommon. Jacket is a touch worn and toned, particularly at the corners and spine tips. Some rubbing to the boards and a few notes from Quayle to the rear. [8382, Hyraxia Books].