UNCORRECTED PROOF WITH SUPPRESSED TEXT
Stamboul Train
Heinemann, 1932.
Uncorrected proof copy. Original red paper wrappers printed in black. Inscribed by the author on the title page, "For Bruce [Howard], these proofs before Priestley's threat of libel. from Graham (Greene)" A near fine copy a closed tear to the front joint. Housed in a cloth chemise and slipcase.
A rare proof, which as Greene's inscription alludes to, contains the suppressed text eventually objected to by J.B. Priestley.
The minor character of Q.C. Savory, an ever-so-slightly ridiculous Cockney novelist, had been created by Greene as a rather cruel parody of Priestley. Priestley (also a Heinemann author) having received an advance copy to review for the Evening Standard had taken exception to this lampooning and threatened legal action, causing the publishers to recall all advance copies and make changes to the text to appease Priestley.
"My suggestion that we should fight the libel action was brushed aside. Evans made it clear to me that if Heinemann were going to lose an author, they would much prefer to lose me. Thirteen thousand copies of the book had already been printed and bound. Pages would have to be substituted, and I must share the cost. Alterations had to be made at once, on the spot, without reflection." - Graham Greene (A Sort of Life).
The various changes included Q.C. Savory to Quin Savory. Savory's references to Dickens were changed to Chaucer or Shakespeare and his penchant for the pipe (for which Priestley was famous) was changed to cigars.
Publishers of this period produced only a handful of proofs for the author and editors to check and suggest amendments. As a consequence they are rarely encountered in commerce.
Stock ID: 35834
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