London: Viking, 1997

8vo, pp. 247. Original pale blue boards, lettered in silver to spine. Illustrated dustwrapper. Slightly cocked, but a near fine copy in a near fine dustwrapper, with just a little bumping to foot of spine.

First edition, WITH INSCRIBED CARD FROM THE AUTHOR LAID IN, ON HIS PERSONALISED STATIONERY: 'To Leo and Jane with love from John'. The recipients were the actor Leo McKern, who played Rumpole in the TV series Rumpole Of The Bailey, adapted by Mortimer from his own books.

Between 1978 and 1992, John Mortimer and Leo McKern collaborated on seven series of the television show Rumpole of the Bailey, adapted by Mortimer from his own books, and starring McKern in the title role. Although the show was a huge success, relations between its star and writer were often strained. McKern was frequently troubled by the growing realisation that he was going to be remembered for playing Rumpole on ITV rather than Iago at the RSC; Mortimer, while grateful to McKern for Rumpole's success, knew his star felt this way, and was understandably displeased. The relationship never became fond, but the two remained in touch after the series came to an end.

A very nice association copy.

Keywords: John MORTIMER"