London, Michael Joseph, (1950). The first edition of the first book by the 2007 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Signed by the author. Spine slightly cocked; with mild sunning to spine and board edges. Bookplate of Robert Lusty, the Deputy Chairman of Michael Joseph publishers, on the front free endpaper, just beneath Lessing's signature. A near fine copy in a near fine dust jacket, complete with the "Daily Graphic/ Book of the Month/ Book Society Recommend" wraparound band. Laid in is a publisher's response card. A nice copy of an uncommon first book, complete with ephemeral material and of distinguished provenance, coming from one of the heads of the publishing company. [#031433] SOLD