The Naked Villany

JOCELYN DAVEY

Publication: Alfred A Knopf, 1958, New York

First U. S. edition. Pseudonym of Chaim Raphael (1908-1994). Inscribed to Vera Caspary on the front free fly leaf: "To Vera Caspary - or rather for 'Laura' / the rare thing - a perfect book / Chaim Raphael / 'Jocelyn Davey' / London / May 1959." Fine in dust jacket very lightly sunned on the spine with minor wear to the spine ends and extremities, and a small, mild indentation to the front cover. Ambrose Usher, an Oxford-don turned secret agent becomes involved with some lost Bach manuscripts, a crucial passage from the Old Testament, a colony of kidnapped monkeys, and murder. A compelling association copy, inscribed to author Vera Caspary, whose 1943 novel Laura served as the basis for Otto Preminger's 1944 film noir. High praise, and yes - a perfect book.

Inventory Number: 48557