Manhood (H. A.) Nightseed, the author's first book, 1928; Gay Agony, limited edition, 1930; another copy, inscribed by the author "This is No.2 of Twelve copies specially bound for private distribution. October 1930", original pigskin-backed marbled boards, t.e.g., 1930; Bread and Vinegar, number 48 of 205 copies signed by the author, tipped-in frontispiece by Rowland Hilder, White Owl Press, 1931; Apples by Night, 1932; Three Nails, number 44 of 125 copies signed by the author, White Owl Press, 1933; Crack of Whips, 1934; Maiden's Fury, one of 35 hors-commerce copies (unnumbered) signed by the author and from an edition limited to 285, 1935; Fierce and Gentle, 1935; Sunday Bugles, 1939, first editions, the first lacking front free endpaper, some with spotting to fore-edges, all but the third original cloth with dust-jackets (the fourth and fifth in transparent wrappers, the fifth torn), the second with small tear to head of spine; and 4 others by the same, 8vo (14)

⁂ A good group of works in excellent condition. Harold Alfred Manhood (1904-91) was primarily known for his collections of short stories but he also wrote novels, most notably Gay Agony. Having settled in Sussex living in an old railway carriage, in 1953 he became disillusioned with editors and the paltry proceeds from his books so gave up writing and devoted his time to growing his own food and brewing cider. Frank Herrmann negotiated the sale of his extensive working papers to the British Library. It included manuscripts, notebooks of ideas, early drafts, reviews etc., and correspondence with editors and publishers as well as many of his literary contemporaries.