Published by Bloomsbury, London; 2006. First edition, first impression. 8vo. 24pp. **Signed by author and Christina Lawrie, classical pianist** Condition: Fine/Fine.
Bound in original black cloth boards with title in silver to the spine. The binding is square and tight and in lovely condition, with just some bumping to the spine ends and corners. Inside, the pages are clean and bright and free from marks or damage. The book is signed by the author to the title page, reading "To Jenny, with best regards, Conrad Williams". It is also signed by Christina Lawrie, the concert pianist. The book was signed at a performance event that included readings from the book and performances by Lawrie.
The book is housed in its original first issue dust jacket, which is also in beautiful condition, with just a little bumping to the spine ends and a touch of rubbing in places.
In all, this is a very smart, collectible example of Williams' second novel. It tells the tale of Philip Morahan, a concert pianist who can no longer play the piano. When a bad review calls his playing into question, he spirals into a mid-life crisis. The novel is a profound and gripping novel about the emotional life of a great pianist and the 'seam between the souls and the art'.