Collins, Norman ~ London Belongs to Me

Collins, London : 1945

The First UK printing published by Collins, London in 1945. 8vo., dark green cloth lettered in paler green to backstrip; together in the original unclipped pictorial wrapper (12s. 6d. net) showing a street scene surrounded by an ivy leaf garland and London landmarks; The BOOK is an excellent copy, clean and square with a little darkening to the upper edge and a few light spots to the prelims, else near Fine; The WRAPPER is in Very Good++ condition, with a little light spotting and the spine darkened to one small patch at the head where there is also a little associated rubbing, nicking and some very light chipping. A very nice example. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. Norman Richard Collins (1907–1982) began his career at the Oxford University Press before working for the 'London News Chronicle' and later as literary editor at the 'Daily Mail'. At the age of 27 he joined Victor Gollancz publishers, where he became deputy chairman, before joining BBC radio. His most important contribution came after the war, when he was appointed as controller of the 'Light Programme', which had grown from the British Armed Forces entertainment services during the war. He was also one of the creative forces behind 'Women's Hour', the hugely popular broadcast which still runs today. 'London Belongs to Me' is Collins's best-known work, and tells the story of a group of characters living in the boarding house of 10 Dulcimer Street, including a widowed spiritualist landlady, a former actress, a young mechanic, and Mr Puddy, who is overly fond of tinned food. Described by many as a modern Dickensian tale, the book was inspired by Collins's own experiences during the formative years of the war, and features weddings, boxing matches, seances and Nazi spies, all rolled into one. In 1948 the book was adapted into a successful film starring Richard Attenborough and Alastair Sim. "One of the great city novels" wrote novelist Sarah Waters, "a sprawling celebration of the comedy, the savagery, the eccentricity and the quiet heroism at the heart of London life." While copies of the Book Society edition are more commonly found, the true first trade edition is very scarce in such condition.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine
JACKET: Very Good++