Billy Liar, Keith Waterhouse, Michael Joseph, 1959, First Edition / First Impression A First edition, First impression of this timeless classic latterly adapted into a stage play, film (Tom Courtenay as lead) and TV series. A comedy with the lead character, an undertaker's clerk, spending much of his time fantasising about being a comedy writer. On its 50th anniversary the Guardian captured its enduring attraction, citing it as non-political and Billy "as an everyman, seeking to dodge responsibility, outwit the forces of mediocrity and wanting to live in a world where he is always the winner." The book is in very good / near fine condition with the binding tight and straight, the unmarked boards clean and bright and the endpapers and pages without marks, tears or inscriptions. The unclipped dust jacket, protected in a clear, removable cover, is in good + condition retaining its bright colours with a loss to the top edge of the spine and small nicks and edge wear in places. Some tape repair hidden to the inside of the jacket. Will be dispatched fully insured and well packaged.