With Friends Like These.

London: Orion Books Ltd. 1997. FIRST EDITION. 8vo. (23.5 x 15 cm). Original blue cloth with gilt titles to spine with original printed pictorial dust wrapper. Manuscript presentation inscription from author to title page.*Presentation inscription to half-title and note from author on his personalised stationary inside upper cover. Some light marks to upper cover. Dust-wrapper and contents in excellent condition. *The inscription to former Cond� Naste International Chairman Daniel Salem reads: 'To Daniel, I thought you might like a proper copy since you read the proof. Thanks for all your corrections. Best wishes, Nick. Feb 97.' The note reads: 'Thanks for your opinions on the 2 documents. The difference, really, is that SD is journalistically in a much higher league, and certainly raised the subject of editorial independence instantly. The AH document - which I am delighted you like so much - does (between ourselves) have two small advantages: 1. It was written following a 2 hour discussion (with me) about Traveller. So, in a sense, it is more of a collaborative mission statement. 2. It is the second draft. The first draft was less good. It was like a piano concerto with a few wrong notes! Nevertheless I do think that AH could be a convincing editor if surrounded by the right people. She also, as a known quantity, has certain advantages. Nicholas.'