This edition preceded the American edition by ten days. The binding comes in three varying shades of blue cloth, designated by Toole Stott as “smooth Persian blue,” “Arabian blue matt” and “midnight blue matt.” This copy, in very dark blue (almost black), would qualify as of the third one listed. This copy is inscribed by Maugham on the half-title, where after the book’s title he has added “By W. Somerset Maugham for Iain Littler” (followed by a flourish). This copy, a historical novel on the life of Machiavelli, is in fine condition; its jacket is near-fine, with minor wear at the head of its spine. In a stout, functional leatherbound case.
