Adventures in Two Worlds

London: Victor Gollancz Ltd., 1952. Let's Have a Little Fun on the Way!"
A.J. Cronin in Proof, Warmly Inscribed to a Prominent English Barrister
An Uncorrected Proof of Adventures in Two Worlds with a Lengthy and Personal Presentation

CRONIN, A. J. Adventures in Two Worlds. London: Victor Gollancz Ltd., 1952.

Uncorrected proof of the first edition, inscribed by the author on the title-page to the distinguished British barrister Ingle Barr (later King's Counsel), suggesting a warm personal and professional friendship.

Octavo (8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches; 216 x 140 mm.). [1-6], 7-288 pp.

Publisher's original light gray proof wrappers/boards, front cover lettered in black and boldly stamped "UNCORRECTED." A near fine copy, exceptionally well preserved for a fragile pre-publication format. Housed in a handsome quarter green calf clamshell case, spine with five raised bands, decoratively tooled in gilt, with three black morocco labels lettered in gilt.

Inscription:
"For my good friend Ingle Barr in the hope that his 'Adventures' may bring him as much enjoyment as did mine. Life may be real, life may be earnest - but let's have a little fun on the way! A. J. Cronin."

A notably warm, extended, and philosophical inscription, far beyond the usual brief presentation, and clearly indicative of a personal friendship between Cronin and the recipient.

Published in 1952, Adventures in Two Worlds is Cronin's autobiographical reflection on his dual career: as a physician, and as a novelist of international fame. The book provides vivid accounts of his medical training and early practice, the social conditions that informed his fiction his transition from medicine to literature.
It stands as one of the most revealing statements of his life philosophy and creative development.

Ingle Barr, K.C. (1908-1974), was a distinguished British barrister (King's Counsel) who practiced commercial and civil law in London. He was a noted book collector and was active during the mid-20th century in senior legal circles and known within professional and intellectual networks rather than as a public celebrity. While not a household name today, Barr belonged to the upper tier of the British legal profession, precisely the sort of figure with whom a writer like Cronin would naturally associate.