Leslie Thomas — The Virgin Soldiers

London, Constable, 1966. First edition. Cloth. The first edition of Leslie Thomas' autobiographical novel about his time in the army, signed by the author. The first edition, first impression.Signed by the author to the title page, "A first edition! (This is something I don't possess), Leslie Thomas", alongside a typed and signed letter from the author loosely inserted, dated 3rd December 1986, regarding the signing of this volume. Also loosely inserted is a "With Compliments" slip with Thomas' name typed, and his address to the head.In the original unclipped dust wrapper.'The Virgin Soldiers' is a comical novel, inspired by the author's own experiences of National Service in the British Army. Set in an army base in Singapore, the novel follows the love triangle between a conscript soldier, a professional soldier, and the daughter of their Sergeant Major.This novel was adapted to screen in 1969, directed by John Dexter, with David Bowie having a very brief cameo. Written by Leslie Thomas. In the original publisher's cloth binding, in the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, smart. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. Spots to the fore edge. A few light marks to the cloth. Minor edge wear to the dust wrapper. Spots to the reverse of the dust wrapper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with a few scattered spots to the endpapers. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Near Fine.