Robert Louis Stevenson; [William Safire]; [Len Safire]; [Joseph Chamberlain Furnas]

Familiar Studies of Men & Books [William Safire's copy with letter from J.C. Furnas and draft reply from Safire's brother Len]

London: Eveleigh Nash and Grayson, ca. 1926. Very Good. Item #25119

London: Eveleigh Nash and Grayson, [ca. 1926]. Reprint. William Safire's ownership signature to front pastedown, under which he has written "see xii 'fire in the belly' coinage?' Octavo. 356 pp. Red pebbled morocco ruled in gilt with gilt lettering to spine; all edges gilt.

Typed letter signed from J.C. Furnas to William Safire laid in at front. Furnas notes his pleasure to hear that Safire's brother, Len, is a "sound Stevensonian," as was noted in Safire's February 27th, 1983 column "On Language: Right Stuff In The Bully Pulpit." Included here is the Furnas' pamphlet "Stevenson and Exile" from his 1981 address at Edinburgh University. Additionally laid in is Len Safire's draft response to Furnas, with heavy editing in red pen, thanking him for his note and kind words.

In his February 27th column, Safire thanks his brother for steering him to the alleged earliest reference to "fire in the belly" by Stevenson in the preface to the this volume.

Boards a bit roughly worn along edges and rear board recently reattached. Binding sound and, other than Safire's ownership inscription and brief note, pages unmarked.

Price: $200.00