Ultra rare proof copy. 124 x 185cm, 230pp. Publisher’s original buff paper wraps with titles and “PROOF COPY” to the front cover and titles and publisher’s windmill device to the spine, 230pp. The wraps have been printed on the verso of an unused illustration from a previous Heinemann book, Dog Days by K F Barker, so that parts of a bull terrier in full colour can be seen on the inside of the covers. The verso of the title page states “First Published 1950 - there is a pencil note on the front cover “Sept 30/[19?]50” - though the First Edition was not published until 22nd January 1951 in an edition of 7,500 copies. There are a few very light marks on the front cover, a very small 3 x 2mm chip near the top of its fore edge, a 3mm open tear at the top of the upper joint and one of 1cm at the foot of the same. The back cover has a toned 1.5cm wide band running adjacent to the spine and of 0.5mm along the top edge, as well as some spotting and very light soiling. The spine is uniformly toned with the aforementioned band on the rear panel. The binding is very firm and completely square. Internally, there is no name or inscription and the pages are very clean and fresh, noting a 1mm closed tear and crease at the fore edge of page 7/8. Over all a very good ++ copy.