Mary Webb — Chinese Lion

London, Bertram Rota, 1937. First edition. Cloth. A charming limited edition first edition copy of Mary Webb's short story, with the original slipcase. The first edition, and No. 63 of 350 limited edition copies, designed by E. A. Osborne and printed by Baxter & Ewin Ltd. for Bertram Rota. Bound in the publisher's original quarter cloth binding with batik patterned paper boards, with a cloth title label lettered with Chinese characters to the front board, and enclosed in a slipcase illustrated with a Chinese lion. A moving short story following a tale of the separation of two lovers, when one must carry out a secret intelligence mission for six months. This story was written by Mary Webb (1881-1927), an English romance novelist and poet. Bodley House, Bertram Rota's bookshop from 1937 to 1965, was bombed twice in October 1940. A great deal of the stock was lost through fire and water damage, but enough books were saved to continue business, including copies of this short story. In the publisher's original quarter cloth binding, with a slipcase. Externally, slightly faded to the spine, but otherwise very smart. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright with the odd spot, more so to the first and last few pages. Slipcase remains smart, with just one faint mark to the front board. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good Indeed .