MYLES NA GCOPALEEN (pen name for O'NOLAN, Brian [1911-1966], also known as Flann O'BRIEN). Faustus Kelly: A Play in Three Acts. Dublin: Cahill and Company, 1943.

The author's copy, then his wife's. This is the first and only edition of O'Brien's only play. It premiered at the Abbey Theatre in January 1943 and ran for just two weeks. Brian O'Nolan has written his name and address in pencil on the front free endpaper, the ink date 1943 is below. His wife Evelyn, whom he married in 1948, has written her name on the inside front cover and also on a pasted slip on the front cover. Evelyn Nolan was herself not known to be a great reader, but this particular volume was evidently a favorite posssession.

12mo. Contemporary cloth with original printed front wrapper cover laid down (worn and shaken). Provenance: Brian O'Nolan, the author (ownership inscription) – his wife, Evelyn O'Nolan (ownership inscriptions).

[WITH:] Three other titles: An Beal Boct. Dublin. Dublin: Náisiúnta, 1942. Second edition. * The Hard Life: An Exegesis of Squalor. London: Macgibbon & Kee, 1961. First edition. * The Best of Myles. A Selection From ‘Cruiskeen Lawn.’ [London]: Macgibbon & Kee, 1968. Condition varies, about very good.