WAUGH, Evelyn (1903-1966). Brideshead Revisited. London: Chapman & Hall, Ltd., 1945.

The pre-publication edition, the true first edition, one of only 50 copies printed for private distribution to the author's friends; John Betjeman's copy, dated Dec. 23rd 1944. "Six months before publication, fifty copies were specially bound and sent to friends for Christmas. Evelyn, in Dubrovnik [as a member of the Military Mission to Tito] waited eagerly for the first reactions..." (Selina Hastings, Evelyn Waugh, London, 1994, p.490). Several changes were made as a result of his friends' comments, including some passages considered too coarse by Father Martin D'Arcy. John Betjeman and Evelyn Waugh were at Oxford together, and Betjeman's attachment to his teddy bear (known as "Archie") was the inspiration for Sebastian Flyte's bear, Aloysius, in Brideshead Revisited. This copy with the publisher’s slip stating Waugh’s regrets that he is unable to inscribe the books as he would have wished, laid down to front endpaper. Davis et al., 19.

Octavo. (Tape repair to front hinge, publisher's slip stating Waugh's regrets laid down to front endpaper.) Original stiff blue paper wrappers, title label and publisher's notice on front cover (wear to spine ends and extremities, some soiling, slight lean to spine). Custom chemise and half morocco slipcase. Provenance: Sir John Betjeman, 1906-1984, poet laureate (ownership inscription; by descent to:) – Paul Betjeman, b.1937 (Christie's, 17 May 1989, lot 237).