Mishima (Yukio) The Sound of Waves, translated by Meredith Weatherby, first English edition, signed presentation inscription from the author in English and Japanese to Tennessee Williams dated 10 Nov. 1957 on half-title verso, illustrations by Yoshinori Kinoshita, letter of provenance in envelope loosely inserted, original boards, fading to spine (heavier at either end), dust-jacket, light fading to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, closed tears to head and foot of lower joint, light foxing to flaps, light surface soiling to lower panel, 8vo, Secker & Warburg, 1957.

⁂ A fine association copy, inscribed to his friend, the playwright Tennessee Williams.

Williams and Mishima first met in the late 1950s (very likely on the same occasion that this copy was inscribed) and quickly developed a rapport. Mishima introduced Williams to Japanese Noh theatre culture which was highly influential in the playwright's later works. Indeed, Williams dedicated his late play The Day on Which a Man Dies to Mishima and the central character was modelled on the Japanese author. According to the letter of provenance, this books was signed by Mishima while he and Williams were staying at the house of Paris Review journalist James Shuttleworth's house in order to conduct a joint interview. The writers exchanged inscribed volumes of their works before entrusting them to their host but never retrieving them.