A first UK edition copy of Herman Wouk's second novel, a semi-autobiographical story centering on a bright boy called Herbie Bookbinder. The first UK edition of this work in the publisher's original cloth binding, with the original unclipped dust wrapper.Previous owner's ink inscription to the front free endpaper.A semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story and the second novel of the award-winning author Herman Wouk (1915-2019). The story focuses on Herbie Bookbinder, who is ostracized as a result of being fat and clever. Wouk was best known for The Caine Mutiny (1951), for which he won the Pulitzer Prize. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, excellent. Touch of fading to the head and tail of the spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Dust wrapper is smart. Sunning and chipping to the spine. Odd mark to the rear of the wrap. Near Fine