The key to this rare curiosity is the hand-written letter with the salutation to 'George' and signed by a A. R. Warnock or Warwick, dated 5th Feb' 1930; 'Here are some bound samples at last/ Please note the inclosed (sic), which is made with the cloth right side. I made up this cover because the polished surface of the reverse side shows every finger mark. I have also inclosed (sic) a piece of cloth showing part of it schallacked (sic), to prevent finger marking and at the same time giving a high polish.' Following this is list of prices according to the options quoted.

This was produced at time when Hemingway, at the age of 30, was being lauded for this milestone novel. First published on September 27th the previous year, both as a trade and limited edition, it was quickly reprinted 'twice in September, once in October and three times in November 1929. By February 14th, 1930, sales stood at 79,251'; hence the reason for the publisher taking such pains to capitalise on the success and ensure the reprints did not disappoint aesthetically.

8vo; full complement of blank pages; printing department binding of green cloth, gilt lettered lettering-piece to spine (later addition), plain paper endpapers to front (paste-residue showing and offsetting), heavier, more finished salmon ones to rear, top edge gilt, others untrimmed, soiling and fading to boards and spine but sound and solid; hand-written letter loosely inserted (215 x 140 mm), folded horizontally twice, creased at corners, short split to right margin of each fold, otherwise very good.

Hanneman A8