Julian Roberts Fine Books

The Tunnel [+ 2pp Original Corrected Typescript].

WILLIAMS, Eric.

Collins, 1951.

Enriched with Original Manuscript Material. Loosely inserted within this copy are two consecutive quarto leaves of the author's original typescript (pp.190/191) used in the production of the novel. These loose pages feature extensive, substantive corrections and dialogue revisions written in Eric William's own hand in ink. The unique manuscript text captures a high suspense sequence explicitly detailing active work on the escape tunnel, the concealment of "dispersal bags" of clay, and the sudden arrival of the German Office, Hauptmann Mueller. First edition, first printing. 8vo. Blue boards with silver gilt titles. Blue grey & white typographical dustrapper. A near fine copy with clean boards. No marks to textblock edges. Internally clean with ink name to endpaper. Several leaves have a short closed tear to leading edge. The near fine unpriceclipped dustwrapper has light wear only.

A gripping autobiographical novel that chronicles the intense captivity and escape attempts of British prisoners of war in Germany in World War II. Serves as a direct prequel to William's famous bestseller "The Wooden Horse". An exceptional presentation set pairing a clean first edition of this classic World War II escape narrative with a unique, textually rich fragment of the working draft that shaped it.

Item #103798

Price: £250.00