Beckett (Samuel) [A collection of 22 volumes of his works in translation], 16 of which with signed presentation inscriptions from the author to Barbara Bray, original wrappers or boards, 8vo, v.p., 1959-86.

⁂ A superb collection of works inscribed by Beckett to Barbara Bray, a fellow translator, with whom he would maintain one of the longest and closest relationships of his life.

Bray (1924-2010) first met Beckett in 1956 during the production of his radio play All That Fall. The two developed an immediate and strong connection based in part on their mutual passion for linguistics, their relationship would last until Beckett's death in 1989. Beckett would often use Bray as a sounding board to help develop his work and was one of the very few with whom he would discuss and share his work while in development. Bray would state that their relationship was one of equals, a claim that was backed up by those who knew the pair. The present collection includes translations into German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese, many of the volumes the first editions in their respective languages. A full list of the inscribed works is available upon request.