'This tale has not been written for the purposes of encouraging adultery, the use of pyjama tops, or registry office marriages. Nor is it meant to discourage gambling.' (dedication)

First edition, first impression; 8vo; light spotting early and late, minor offsetting to endpapers; publisher's dark blue cloth, titles to spine and upper cover gilt (slightly dulled), cloth a little mottled, spine cocked, with the unclipped pictorial dustjacket; a very good copy in the slightly toned and worn dustjacket with a tear to one fold extending onto rear panel.