Anthony Powell — To Keep the Ball Rolling

London, Penguin Books, 1983. First edition. Paperback. A signed first edition thus of Anthony Powell's memoirs, the first abridged copy, illustrated with sixteen plates. Signed by the author to the title page, 'Miranda, with love from Tony.. 1983&apos.The first edition thus of this work, being the first abridged and revised edition combining the four volumes into one.'To Keep the Ball Rolling' is Anthony Powell's extensive memoir, originally published in four volumes across 1976 to 1982.The original four volumes were titled 'Infants of the Spring', 'Messengers of Day', 'Faces in My Time', and 'The Strangers All are Gone&apos.Illustrated with sixteen pages of plates.Powell was an English author, best known for his twelve volume work, 'A Dance to the Music of Time', which is one of the longest novels in English.Eight pages of publisher's adverts to the rear. In the original publisher's paper wraps. Externally, smart. A few light marks to the wraps. A very small patch of loss of paper to the spine, and a couple of folds to the spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are age-toned and clean. Author's inscription to the title page. Near Fine . Ill.: Not Stated. Near Fine .