Pickthall (Marmaduke) Autograph manuscript for his novel "Saïd the Fisherman", 2 parts in 5, c.450 pages in brown ink on ruled paper, recto only, numerous corrections, alterations and substantial deletions, label of James B. Pinker, Artistic and Literary Agent to p. 2, light soiling to titles, marginal creasing and some fraying, largely to early or later ff., sewn at upper left corner with some leaves detached or becoming so, preserved in 2 folding chemises and custom morocco-backed drop-back box with spine gilt in compartments, 4to, [c.l903].

⁂ The working manuscript of Pickthall's most celebrated novel, a picaresque tale of a corrupt but endearing Syrian peasant, admired by the likes of E.M. Forster and D.H. Lawrence. Pickthall remains an important figure in Western Islam, having converted to the faith in 1917.

Accompanying the book is an autograph letter from a friend of the Pickthall family recollecting Marmaduke and his brother along with a typed letter from Peter Clark regarding the loan of the present manuscript for a forthcoming new edition of the work.

Provenance: Sold, Sotheby's, 21 June 1990, lot 436.