Cakes and Ale; or, The Skeleton in the Cupboard

London: William Heinemann, 1930 First edition, first printing, state B with "won't" on p. 147, line 14 (no priority). Publisher's Persian blue cloth, with author's symbol in black to front board, gilt lettering to front board and spine; in its original white dust jacket, with carriage and author's symbol in red to front panel, black lettering to front panel and spine, and 7/6 price to spine. Near fine book, with very light toning to spine, bright gilt, front board slightly bowed, and upper corners lightly bumped; very good dust jacket, with some toning to spine, a small spot of staining to front panel, light wear to spine ends and edges, and corners slightly nicked. Overall, a pleasing copy. Stott A40. Cakes and Ale is a satirical novel about the pretentiousness and snobbery of the London literary community. It's the story of Alroy Kear, an ambitious and aspiring young writer, who is trying to write a biography of the recently deceased novelist Edward Driffield and has contacted William Ashenden, Driffield's long-time friend and fellow author, about the deceased's past. Specifically, the men focus on Driffield's first wife, Rosie, an honest and free-spirited woman who is considered Driffield's "skeleton in the closet" because of her promiscuity, despite being the author's muse. In his introduction to a later edition of the book, Maugham wrote, "I am willing enough to agree with common opinion that Of Human Bondage is my best work….But the book I like best is Cakes and Ale…because in its pages lives for me again the woman with the lovely smile with was the model for Rosie Driffield.". First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Dust Jacket Included.