A Man of Honour Signed Presentation Copy by W. Somerset Maugham 1st 1912

First trade edition published by William Heinemann in 1912. The play made its debut on the stage in 1903. Maugham got 150 copies of his play printed in 1903 to give it out on opening night and as working copies for the actors. This first trade edition appeared in 1912 in wraps and this hardback edition. This copy is in very good condition. The boards have a couple of bumps along the right hand side edge of the front board. The spine is faded. There is a light mark to the front board. Otherwise the boards and pages are clean and there are no other marks, bookplates, foxing or ink. It is at least a very good copy overall.
 
The author, W. Somerset Maugham has inscribed to the front free end paper "For Robert Loraine, from his friend the author". Robert Bilcliffe Loraine was a stage actor and producer. He appeared in one of Somerset Maugham's plays "Smith" in 1909 and from the inscription seemed to be on very good terms with him. Loraine would also go on to join the Royal Flying Corp in the Great War and would be awarded the Military Cross and Distinguished Service Order for his valantry and deeds in the air, rising to the rank of Major. A rare signed presentation copy with the close association between the two.