Sir Michael and Sir George, J. B. Priestley — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, William Heinemann Ltd, 1964
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 256.
Condition Report: Very Good. The publisher’s original blue cloth binding remains tight and square, with the boards crisp and the gilt titling to the spine notably bright and unoxidised. The text block exhibits some light, uniform toning to the edges, consistent with the paper stock of the period, but remains internally clean and free of extraneous marks. The original unclipped dust jacket (retaining the 21s. net price) displays bright, unfaded panels; however, it bears some creasing and a closed tear to the upper edge of the front panel, alongside minor shelf-wear and wrinkling to the spine ends. Overall, a highly presentable and robust copy.
Catalogue Note: This is a first edition, first printing of Priestley’s comedic novel, issued in the original dust jacket featuring a striking modernist design by John Russell. The copyright page correctly states "First published 1964" with no subsequent printings listed. The book is relatively common on the open market but remains a desirable copy for collectors of Priestley’s later satirical works, particularly given the unclipped state of the wrapper and the brightness of the cloth binding. No previous ownership inscriptions or bookplates are present.
In Sir Michael and Sir George, J. B. Priestley offers a sparkling, contemporary satire detailing the rivalry between two competing arts councils, COMSA and DISCUS. Bristling with comic invention, the narrative follows Sir Michael Stratherrick and Sir George Drake as their bureaucratic squabbles lead them through a diverse array of settings, from a Victorian mansion to the striptease clubs and expense-account restaurants of the 1960s. A witty and sagacious exploration of modern folly, delivered with Priestley's signature blend of sharp observation and engaging storytelling.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: J. B. Priestley
Book Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Humour Fiction
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 256
Book Publication Year: 1964
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Kingswood, Surrey, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
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