INSCRIBED TO CHILEAN PLAYBOY, GANDARILLAS
The Pursuit of Love
Hamish Hamilton, 1945.
First edition. Original blue cloth titled in gilt, in pictorial dustwrapper by Furze. Author's presentation copy, inscribed on the title-page to Tony Gandarillas, "Tony whom I pursue in vain with love from Nancy, 12 Dec 1945". A very good copy, with the final page of text forming the rear pastedown, a variant possibly accounted for by wartime economies in printing or it being a trial or proof copy. The dustwrapper is in very good condition, uncommonly bright with a touch of wear to the edges.
Tony Gandarillas, a Chilean diplomat and playboy, was the foremost of the South American emigres in the Parisian beau monde between the wars. Extremely well connected Gandarillas was indefatigable partygoer and bon viveur, with a love of food, drink, opium, gambling and young men. He was for some time the partner of Christopher Wood, who he installed in his Paris apartment in the 1920's. Gandarillas became a great friend of Mitford's, playing host to her at his villas in Hyeres. The jokey inscription from Mitford clearly a reference to Gandarillas's sexuality.
The Pursuit of Love is the first part of Mitford's popular trilogy about family life between the wars and is the book responsible for establishing Mitford as a literary force.
Presentation copies of this novel are uncommon. Of the three we have encountered all are dated 12 December, two days after publication, suggesting they were author's copies to be distributed to close friends.
Stock ID: 39647
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