The Zeal of Thy House (Signed by Dorothy L. Sayers, 1938)

Here is a book that carries a real moment of literary history in its pages. The Zeal of Thy House is Dorothy L. Sayers's verse drama about William of Sens, the master architect who rebuilt the choir of Canterbury Cathedral, written for the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral festival. Better known to many readers as the creator of Lord Peter Wimsey, Sayers poured her faith and her craft into this play, and it remains one of her most admired works for the stage.

This copy was published by Victor Gollancz Ltd, London, with a preface by Laurence Irving. The wrapper is marked First Cheap Edition. The copyright is dated 1937, and the play was first published in June 1937; this copy is a 1938 impression from the cheap edition line.

What makes it truly special is the inscription. On the half-title, Sayers has written in her own hand:

"Signed for W.G. Williams. with appreciation & gratitude
Dorothy L. Sayers
Oxford May 1938"

A warm, personal signed copy from one of the great English writers of the twentieth century, in pre-owned condition with the honest wear you would expect from a paperbound book of this age. Please take a close look at the photos, which show the cover, the inscription, the title page, and the copyright page.

Details

• Author: Dorothy L. Sayers
• Preface: Laurence Irving
• Publisher: Victor Gollancz Ltd, London
• Edition: First Cheap Edition (1938 impression); first published June 1937
• Binding: Paperback
• Signed and inscribed by the author
• Condition: Pre-owned