The Voyage of the Arctic Tern by Montgomery, Hugh - 2000

Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, United Kingdom: Synapse GB Limited, 2000. First edition (this is the true first edition, first printing of this book). Large format hardcover, 232 pages. Profusely illustrated by Nick Poullis. SIGNED by the author Hugh Montgomery on the half-title page. With a TYPED LETTER (28 lines) by the author loosely laid in. In this letter, to the editor of a national British publication, the author asks for a review of his book, outlines how he came to write it, gives a brief history of why he published it using his savings and insurance policies, and mentions its sales to date (1 December, 2000). The letter is SIGNED 'Hugh' with his full name, Hugh Montgomery, typed beneath. A delightful and highly acclaimed long narrative poem for children. The author, a former commercial diver and archaeologist, failed to find a publisher for this book so he postponed his wedding, used his savings to pay for illustrations and printing, and self-published this limited edition of just 2000 copies. The entire print run rapidly sold, through sheer hard work and local bookshops. This self-published edition under the author's own 'Synapse' publishing name has become extremely sought after as it is the true, original first edition. A Fine, brand new copy in red cloth spine and glossy pictorial boards (was not issued with a dustjacket). No inscription or book-plate; a lovely bright, collectable copy in unread, absolutely perfect condition. The typed, signed letter is a little wrinkled. Very scarce in this true first edition.. Illus. by Nick Poullis.