Library of Laurence Olivier.- Niven (David) Bring on the Empty Horses, first edition, 12 leaves of photographic illustrations, signed presentation inscription from the author to Laurence Olivier to front free endpaper, original cloth, spine very lightly sunned with ends bumped, small patch of soiling to upper cover, 1975 § Tennyson (Alfred, Lord) Dramas, ink ownership inscription of Laurence Olivier to front free endpaper dated 1928, text of Harold with some underlining in pencil, original green sheep, gilt, sunned and rubbed at extremities, upper cover and front free endpapers detached, lower cover working loose, 1906; and others from Olivier's personal library, some with his ownership inscription and many with presentation inscriptions from friends, colleagues and admirers, v.s. (c.150, i.e. 5 boxes)

⁂ The inscription in the first reads: 'Beloved Larry-Boy and darling Joannie. Another 'loo' book. Just leave it there and someone will read it! Devoted love, 'Niv''. David Niven, an Oscar-winning actor and novelist, was a friend of Olivier's for much of his life. Olivier features within the book, described as 'blessed with a massive talent and a highly justified faith in himself' (p.166). The second was used by Olivier for learning and rehearsing the role of Tennyson's Harold, which he played at The Royal Court Theatre in April 1928, as one of his first lead roles. He has underlined every line spoken directly before Harold speaks, presumably to help him memorise his cue.