The Cruel Sea.
Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, [1988]. Hardcover. Introduction by Edward L. Beach. 8vo. Blue cloth with gilt lettering and rules. xvii, 426pp, (3pp). Sewn-in blue satin page marker. Near fine. Spotting to top page edges. Item #50762
ISBN: 0870210556
Tight and handsome reprint of the popular 1951 nautical novel by this British writer (1910-79) about World War Two's Battle of the Atlantic in which the Royal Navy faces off against German U-boats. This special copy bears choice autograph additions: In 1953 a British film version was released, and tipped to the front flyleaf are three fine heavy stock 5" X 3" cards each boldly signed and dated by co-stars -- at top is GLYN HOUSTON (1925-2019; portrays Leading Seaman Phillips), who signs in blue ink and dates it 7 December 1982 at upper right; below him is MOIRA LISTER (1922-2007; portrays Mrs. Elaine Morell), who signs hugely in blue fineline and dates it 12 March 1970 at upper right; below her is DONALD SINDEN (1923-2014; portrays Sub-Lieutenant and later Lieutenant-Commander Keith Lockhart), who inscribes and signs in black ballpoint "for / Richard Laade / wish my best wishes / Donald Sinden / 1973." Laid in are the perfect bookmarks: All three original transmittal envelopes (Lister’s addressed in her hand). Quite an exceptional copy -- a volume in the Naval Institute's "Classics of Naval Literature" series.
Price: $150.00