Saved by Edward Bond, 1st/1st, 1969 with ALS

London: Methuen, (1969). First hardback edition of Saved. This is a near fine copy. The dust wrapper suffers from mild surface wear on the rear cover and mild areas of blackening present. The top and tail edges are lightly rubbed; this copy has not been price clipped. The boards are free from chips and marks and attractively but plainly bound in black cloth with a silver gilt title. The text blocks are bright and white and without foxing. Overall, this is a near fine copy
 
The postcards are in very good condition and are each written on a single side of a 14cm x 9cm postcard. Each card is without creasing but has a light yellowing at the edges. Addressed to British literary critic, biographer, poet, reviewer, and magazine critic Ian Hamilton. This friendly correspondence gives an insight into a warm but professional friendship between the two men of literature. 
 
The first postcard dated ‘3 May 66’ reads: “Dear Mr Hamilton, Thank you for your letter. I should be pleased to take part in a discussion at Cheltenham. Any day in October- but I presume you will let me know the day well in advance. Yours faithfully, Edward Bond. 46 Rutland Park Mansions, London, N.W.2.”. Each postcard contains similar professional material, written at the hand of Edward Bond. Trivially, Bond seemingly uses separate pens for each one. 
 
A fascinating correspondence between two 20th century literary figures discussing the biography of Bond, his work and authorship and other general arrangements. These are incredibly scarce letters and in highly collectible condition. ‘Saved’ first premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in November 1965. The play itself is set in London during the 1960s. Its subject is the cultural poverty and frustration of a generation of young people living on council estates.