Brideshead Revisited.

First edition of Waugh's masterpiece. Octavo, original cloth. Boldly signed by Evelyn Waugh on the title page. Waugh issued a pre-publication edition of the novel in a run of 50 copies. These were printed and specially bound to distribute among friends for Christmas and to solicit any revisions. Several changes were made as a result of his friends' comments, including suggested alterations by Fr. Martin D'Arcy, Cyril Connolly, and Nancy Mitford. A letter from Graham Greene, Waugh's friend and recipient of one of the 50 copies had indicated that Waugh may have only inscribed 19 of the 50 copies (Jeffrey Young Collection, Sotheby's London, 14 December 1992, lot 182). It is because of the specially issued limited edition that so few copies of the first trade edition exist which are signed. Near fine in a very good dust jacket with tape repair and some closed tears. Housed in a custom half morocco and chemise clamshell box. Exceptionally rare and desirable signed.