A Happy Man [Presentation Copy with letter from Kavanagh]

London: Chatto & Windus, 1972. Signed by the author on the title page, this excellent, clean presentation copy from the library of Laurie Lee is dedicated on the fly-leaf by Kavanagh 'Love to Laurie and Cathy from Patrick, September 1972'; laid in is the accompanying letter from Kavanagh to the Lees: 'I was very touched yesterday when a boy from the Radio Times called and told me you wondered where your copy of A HAPPY MAN was! The answer is, here, with my love.' Kavanagh then continues with tongue-in-cheek lamentations of the changes in the packing department at Chatto's; enquiring if Lee had a hand in obtaining Kavanagh his work making films at the BBC; and referencing Koestler, and Julian Symons' suspicion that this novel contains symbolism. Publisher's orange cloth over boards, light pushing to spine ends, slightly dusty top edges; tightly bound, hinges good; first hint of spotting to inside rear panel. Dust-jacket complete, unclipped, slightly rubbed and chipped at spine ends, one closed tear (7mm) at top of front panel, rubbed at rear corners. Pages clean and unmarked. Please contact Christian White Rare Books Ltd for more information or images of this item 1972