“Association copies” which connect a book to the author or another person of note are often collectible, and just occasionally much sought after and very expensive when found. This first edition of Dorothy L.Sayers’ Wimsey novel The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club is a case in point. It was the copy that Sayers gave and inscribed to her mother – who died not long afterwards – and therefore has a particular resonance for Sayers devotees.
Sayers’ first editions, especially her early books before her reputation was firmly established, are rare in dust jackets and nice condition, and this inscribed copy was well out of my reach financially. I’m grateful, though, to bookseller Mark Sutcliffe for supplying me with the images.
