A". by ZUKOFSKY, Louis - 1966

London: Jonathan Cape, 1966. First UK edition, first impression. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author to his publisher Tom Maschler on the half-title "Wishing Tom Maschler all happiness with thanks for this "A" love Louis Zukofsky Oct 10 (for Oct 6) 1966 New York". Tom Maschler (born 1933) was head of the book's publisher Jonathan Cape, and was a highly influential figure in 20th-century literature, launching the careers of various writers including Ian McEwan, Bruce Chatwin, Clive James, and Edna O'Brien; fifteen of his authors were awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. He additionally has the honour of conceiving the Booker Prize, and for having introduced his friend Quentin Blake to Roald Dahl. This copy has his bookplate, designed by Quentin Blake, to the front pastedown. This incarnation of "A" (which Zukofsky started in 1927 and continually added to thereafter) was first published in Japan in 1959 in a limited edition of 200 copies. Octavo. Original white japon-backed blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt. With dust jacket. A very good copy in the dust jacket, chipped around extremities, a little soiled, spine panel sunned.