First Edition. HERBERT, A. P. | Holy Deadlock. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1934. Presentation Copy, Inscribed by the Author.

An exceptional presentation and association copy of A. P. Herbert's politically significant 1934 novel, personally inscribed by Herbert to the distinguished British modernist and Vorticist artist Edward Wadsworth (1889–1949) and his family. The title page bears Herbert's presentation inscription: “To Edward, Fanny, and all the Tribe of Wadsworth with love from Alan Herbert. April 5 1934.” The volume also retains a Methuen & Co. publisher's slip addressed “Dear Edward”, bearing a further handwritten personal message signed “Alan”. Political and legal significance: Holy Deadlock occupies an important place in British social and legal reform. Herbert used satire to expose the absurdities and injustices of English divorce law, particularly a system in which adultery was effectively the central route to divorce and which encouraged staged evidence, collusion and the notorious practice of so-called “hotel divorces.” The book became part of the public campaign for reform. Parliamentary accounts identify Holy Deadlock as having influenced public opinion by exposing the realities and contradictions of the existing divorce system. Herbert entered the House of Commons as Independent MP for Oxford University in 1935 and pursued the issue politically. His campaign culminated in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1937, which extended the grounds for divorce beyond adultery to include desertion, cruelty and incurable insanity. The UK Parliament connects Herbert's 1934 novel with his subsequent legislative campaign. Academic scholarship has likewise treated Holy Deadlock as an important expression of opposition to existing divorce laws, helping stimulate parliamentary debate and pave the way for the 1937 reforms. The significance of this copy is therefore twofold: an important work in the history of British divorce-law reform combined with a remarkable personal association between Herbert and Edward Wadsworth, linking two notable figures of inter-war British cultural life. Provenance: From a larger collection of books with Wadsworth family provenance, including further volumes bearing the Barbara Wadsworth library bookplate and other association material. Condition: Fair externally; internally considerably better preserved. Original red cloth boards with gilt spine lettering. The exterior is substantially worn, with fading, rubbing and general shelf wear. There is significant loss and fraying to the cloth at the head of the spine, exposing the underlying material, together with wear to the spine foot, corners and extremities. No dust jacket. Internally, the volume is considerably better preserved. The text block remains sound and pages are generally clean for their age, with expected toning and occasional light spotting. Herbert's presentation inscription remains clear and legible. The accompanying Methuen publisher's slip and Wadsworth provenance material are retained. Despite the externally worn binding, this is an unusually compelling association copy of a politically and historically significant work, combining Herbert's presentation inscription to Edward Wadsworth with direct Wadsworth family provenance. Collection Note: Further books from the Wadsworth family collection are available separately. Please contact Cranston & Perry if you are interested in acquiring or discussing the wider collection. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description. Shipping Notice: International shipping costs are estimated. Additional charges may apply due to size or weight. We will confirm any extra postage costs with the buyer before processing the order.…