BILLING

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly-aged and creased paper. In the signature Pemberton Billing's surname (unhyphenated) is preceded by what looks like 'Dot' or 'DA', the significance of which is unclear, but which may be an abbreviation of his RNAS rank. The letter reads: 'Dear Mrs. Ross Clyne, | As I am so very uncertain in my involvements at present - Will you ring me up on your arrival in Town? and I will then fix an appointment with you.'

Octavo: 39 pp. Stitched. In original orange wraps, with grey printed paper boards. On spotted, aged paper, with insect holes to a couple of leaves. Wraps stained and worn. First English printing of an essay noted for its coupling with Henry James's piece of the same name (not present here) in an American edition of 1885.

8vo. Pages: xi + 87. One of only a hundred copies, according to the British Library catalogue. In original red cloth binding with short title in gilt on front board (somewhat grubby and stained with stained manuscript title on spine). Tight copy but with front hinge cracked. Bookplate of Howard H. Cotterell of Walsall, and with his ownership inscription on title-page, which is neatly blindstamped with his address in top right-hand corner.