The Chalk Garden," Signed, with Original Color illustration. William Heinemann, Ltd., London, 1956

Bagnold's best known novel is "National Velvet" (1935). Her most successful play is "The Chalk Garden." Both of her best known works were made into well received films. On the first free end paper of our copy of "The Chalk Garden", extending onto the inside cover as well as the inside dust jacket, Bagnold has drawn a colorful seaside sketch of her own home, Rottingdean, in Sussex, England. Her garden at Rottingdean inspired the play's setting. She dedicates her charming drawing to drama and film writer, Terrence Rattingan (1911-77) whose bookplate is affixed to the inside cover. She writes, "For Darling Terry....This is how Rottingdean should be...." She signs, "Enid." She identifies her "Palace" and "Terry's House" as well as "The Sea" in her sketch. The drawing is rendered in red pen and water color. With the program for the play's 1956 production in London at the "Theatre Royal Haymarket" directed by John Gielgud. The book is in very good condition overall with a slight stain in the upper right to the dust jacket.