Golding (William) Lord of the Flies, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "I sent this to Adam Bittleston in 1954. Apparently I wrote nothing in it - now I rededicate it to Karin Bittleston. William Golding" to half-title, original cloth, very slight shelf-lean, minor bumping to spine ends, else fine, first state dust-jacket priced at 12s 6d and with blurb to upper flap, light browning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, some light toning and soiling to lower panel, still excellent overall, preserved in custom chemise and morocco-backed slip-case with initials DMS with net and book to upper cover, 8vo, Faber & Faber, 1954.

⁂ Golding's celebrated classic presented to one of his closest friends and later inscribed to his daughter.

Golding and Adam Bittleston became close friends whilst at Oxford together. Bittleston, who was later ordained, became a confidant, spiritual guide and inspiration to the young author. While Bittleston's advice and thinking influenced much of Golding's life and work, his most visible contribution is as the inspiration for the kind, eccentric character of Nathaniel in Pincher Martin.