Vivian Ellis — Faint Harmony

London, Hutchinson & Co, 1934 . First edition. Cloth. A signed presentation copy of the very scarce first edition of this 1930s novel by English musical comedy composer Vivian Ellis. In the publisher's original price unclipped illustrated dust wrapper, reading '3rd. imp.' below the author's name to the front wrap.A signed presentation copy, inscribed 'Juliet O'Hea, very sincerely, Vivian Ellis 1934&apos. O'Hea (1911-2003) was a much admired literary agent, who worked at Curtis Brown for almost fifty years, serving as Michael Joseph's personal secretary early in her career. Her authors included Drris Lessing, Laurence Durrell and Mary Renault.Ellis's novel details the life of a fictional composer, relayed through the accounts of the various women who influence both him and his music. Spanning a life time, settings include 1880s Brussels, 1920s Paris, and 1930s London.With a fifty-six page literary catalogue to the rear. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with price unclipped dust wrapper. Back strip and board perimeters lightly age toned, otherwise externally excellent. Inscription to front free endpaper. Dust wrapper age toned, with front wrap detached from rear wrap and back strip. Loss to tail of rear wrap, with back strip in several small pieces, with some loss. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed/Good Only.