H. E. Bates — The Last Bread: A Play in One Act

London, The Labour Publishing Company Ltd, 1926. First edition. Paperback. A first edition, first impression of Bates's first printed publication, his short play The Last Bread. The first edition of this work in the publisher's original paper wraps. Herbert Ernest Bates (1905-1974), better known as H. E. Bates, was best known for his works The Darling Buds of May and My Uncle Silas. This short play is his first published work, preceding his first novel by several months. Its subject matter was inspired by the ongoing miners' strikes in the country. It is unknown how many copies of this work were printed, but as this is the only edition, it is becoming an uncommon find. In the publisher's original paper wraps. Externally smart, though age toned, with small losses to the spine of the wrap. Nonetheless, sewing remains firm and the work is firmly bound. Pages are very bright and clean. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine .