BANNISTER, ROGER. — First Four Minutes. (Signed).

London: Putnam, 1955. 1st edition, 2nd impression. Autobiography of Roger Bannister, the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes. "The author has never sought publicity, and in this book he gives for the first time his own account of certain episodes which caused much controversy in the press..He tells of a secret time-trial just before Helsinki which he rates his own fastest performance: of the 'staged' British record which was refused ratification; of his 'sponsored' visit to USA, and the 'television row'; and of his own decision to retire." 20.5cms x 13.5cms x 2cms. Pp.224, inscribed "With best wishes from Roger Bannister" to title page, black & white photo portrait frontispiece + 37 further photo illustrations. Blue cloth, minor fading to top of spine, photo illustrated dustwrapper has small edge tears with a little chipped loss. Scarce signed edition with dustwrapper. VG/G+.