Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency & The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

Adams, Douglas

Published by London Heinemann 1987 & 1988, 1987

About this Item

First editions. 247 & 246 pages respectively. The first book is inscribed by Adams to the title page: "To Sue without whom…! With lots of love Douglas". The recipient was Sue Freestone, Publishing Director at Heinemann, who receives special mention in his Author's Note: "for all her help nursing this book into existence". The second book is similarly inscribed: "For Sophie with thanks for the loan of your mum! Love Douglas". The recipient on this occasion was Sue's daughter, Sophie Meyer, who also received an official printed thanks and apology in the author's note opposite page 1. Both books are firmly bound, the extremities of the boards are slightly bumped and rubbed. Both text blocks are slightly foxed, a small portion of the inscription has offset to the opposite page of the first book, which was evidently closed before the ink was fully dry. The dust jackets, both designed by Claudia Zeff, with illustrations by Lionel Jeans and Chris Moore, are the originals and not price clipped, they are slightly rubbed and foxed, with some minor nicks, and creases to the edges. Adams's contribution to occult detective fiction, following in the illustrious footsteps of Algernon Blackwood's John Silence, Margery Lawrence's Dr Miles Pennoyer, and Dion Fortune's Dr Taverner, with added surreal humour, the first novel inspired by two Doctor Who serials he had written previously. This is a superb pair of association copies, marking arguably Adams' most important professional and creative relationship with his long-time publishing editor, who, being painfully aware of his susceptibility to writer's block and consequent tendency to procrastinate, would move into his home when deadlines were approaching, noting in one interview that Adams: "needs an instant audience to bounce things off".

Seller Inventory # 6881

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency & The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
• Publisher: London Heinemann 1987 & 1988
• Publication Date: 1987
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Detective fiction
  • Occult / supernatural