An English Madam - The Life And Work Of Cynthia Payne : Inscribed By The Author And Cynthia Payne To Their Publisher Tom Maschler

The First UK printing published by Jonathan Cape, London in 1982. The BOOK is in near Fine condition. Original burgundy boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Light offsetting to the end-papers. Illustrated with B/W photographs throughout. The WRAPPER is complete and is in near Fine condition with a photographic portrait of Cynthia Payne to rear panel. Wrapper design by Craig Dodd. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. The publisher's Tom Maschler's copy, doubly inscribed to him by both the author and Cynthia Payne : 'for Tom -- who has been here before -- with love from Paul'. And beneath: 'October 13th 1982. To the most brilliant publisher in the world and I must say with the most guts to take me on! Cinders xxx one for John Thomas'. When Streatham brothel-keeper Cynthia Payne was prosecuted in 1980 for keeping a disorderly house, the trial's tales of red-arsed vicars, enslaved Members of Parliament and payment for sex with luncheon vouchers transfixed the country. It also brought her to the attention of film makers : Wish You Were Here is the story of her early life'. The publisher Tom Maschler who, in what turned out to be a perfect marriage, gave the novelist Paul Bailey the job of writing Cynthia's biography, which is by turn moving, eye-opening and absolutely hilarious. A fabulous three-way association. Collectible. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.