A Flight of Birds [Inscribed to Ben and Pearl Raeburn]

Hanley, Timothy [Mary Hanley] (1910-2003)

Published by Macdonald, London, 1953

An association copy of this evocative mid-century novel, inscribed by Timothy Hanley to her husband's American publisher, Ben Raeburn, and his wife, Pearl. Writing under a pseudonym, Timothy Hanley- Mary Hanley wife of the novelist James Hanley-crafted a narrative noted for its delicate psychological observation and atmospheric prose. This copy, sourced from the Raeburn/Horizon Press archive, documents the intimate professional and personal ties between the Hanley family and the man who championed their literary legacy in the United States. FEATURES +++ Physical: Original cloth with gilt titles to the spine. Housed in the original pictorial dust jacket featuring a delicate avian motif. Octavo; 8 inches tall / [1-8] 9-224 pages. First Edition, First Printing. +++ Content: A novel exploring themes of domesticity, freedom, and the shifting social landscape of post-war Britain. +++ Provenance: Inscribed on the front free endpaper: 'For Pearl and Ben with love from Timothy. Sept. 1953'. Sourced from the estate of Ben Raeburn (Horizon Press). CONDITION: Near Fine / Very Good. +++ THE BOOK: The bindings are tight and square with minimal shelf handling wear. The internal text is clean and free of markings, showing only a light, even age-toning to the pages. +++ DUST JACKET: The jacket is present and retains the original price on the flap. It shows minor and even age-toning with insignificant handling wear. Now preserved in a clear, archival protective sleeve. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - Mary Hanley was often described as her husband's 'secret weapon.' While James Hanley was notoriously difficult to manage, Mary was the diplomat of the household, frequently smoothing over relations with publishers like Ben Raeburn to ensure the family's literary legacy remained secure. Under the pseudonym Timothy Hanley, she published several respected novels, including 'The Garden' and 'A Summer to Decide,' which focused on the psychological nuances of domestic life and the shifting social landscape of post-war Britain. This association copy serves as a bridge between the two literary careers within the Hanley household. By gifting her work to 'Pearl and Ben,' Mary Hanley reinforces the intimate nature of the Raeburn partnership. Sourced from the Horizon Press estate, the book is a physical artifact of the transatlantic network that supported the entire Hanley family, situating Mary's own creative work within the same high-level provenance as her husband's more famous manuscripts. SCHOLARLY FEATURES +++ The Hanley Partnership: While James Hanley focused on visceral maritime realism, Mary Hanley (writing as Timothy) provided a lyrical counterpoint, exploring domestic tensions and the Anglo-Irish experience. +++ Publishing Diplomacy: Mary often acted as the primary liaison between her husband and his publishers; this copy documents her direct role in maintaining the professional and personal bond with Ben Raeburn. +++ Historical Context: Inscribed in the month of publication (September 1953), this volume is a primary record of the author's social network at the height of her creative output. SUBJECTS: British Literature, Mid-Century Fiction, James Hanley, Ben Raeburn, Horizon Press, Women Writers, Irish Literature, British Literature. Seller Inventory # 21935

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Flight of Birds [Inscribed to Ben and ...
Publisher: Macdonald, London
Publication Date: 1953
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good-Plus
Signed: Signed
Edition: First Edition, First Printing.