INSCRIBED TO BRIAN ALDISS
One Fat Englishman
Gollancz, 1963.
First edition. Author's presentation copy to fellow novelist, Brian Aldiss, inscribed on publication, "To good old Brian who knows a masterpiece when he sees one* / Kingsley/ *Oxford Mail Supplement 21/xi/63". Aldiss's ownership signature in pencil to the front endpaper. Original red cloth in dustwrapper. A fine copy in a very good dustwrapper with a couple of closed tears and a bit of chipping to the head of the spine.
A fine association between two of the most important post war writers in their genres. Aldiss has recounted his first meeting with Amis, when the latter visited Oxford to give a lecture in 1955:
"Questions were requested following the talk. Silence. Embarrassed on Kingsley's behalf, I asked 'Do you think it possible to earn one's living by writing science fiction?' Kingsley's answer was of the order of, 'I don't see why not. Now might be a good moment to try.' He spoke to me as we filed out. He actually knew my name, having read two of my stories (I'd had about three published) in SF magazines. 'Come and have a drink', he said."
Aldiss favourably reviewed One Fat Englishman in the Oxford Mail on its publication, and later heralded it as "one of his funniest novels". Their shared love of science fiction fostered a long friendship and correspondence.
Contemporary presentation copies of Amis's early novels with significant literary association are most uncommon.
Stock ID: 40332
