London: Viking, 1985

8vo, pp. 374. Original blue boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Illustrated dustwrapper. Very slightly cocked, corners a little bumped, otherwise a near fine copy in a near fine dustwrapper, with just a little bumping to spine ends.

First edition, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO ACTOR LEO McKERN AND HIS WIFE: 'To Leo and Jane with love from John, Sept. '85'.

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 lovely association copy, presented to McKern by Mortimer at the height of their collaboration.

Keywords: John MORTIMER"