Signed by the author to title page. Very tiny marks to front end papers and page fore-edges. No inscriptions. No creasing to covers or to spine. Very clean very tight pages with unmarked black cloth boards, slight loss to lower edge of very lightly creased spine and no bumping to corners. Tucked in are the dust flaps of jacket removed by previous owner. 590pp.

Biography of spy, communist and respected surveyor of the Queen's paintings until he was unmasked by Margaret Thatcher. Also tucked in is a further example of the author's signature found online.