The Big Bite

London: Cassell & Company Ltd, 1957. First U.K. Edition, First Impression. Hardcover. Near fine/near fine. Signed first U.K. edition of The Big Bite by Charles Williams, with an inscription to Kenneth Millar (Ross Macdonald) and his wife.. Octavo, 191pp. Black hardcover, title in silver on spine. Stated "First Published in Great Britain 1957" on copyright page, no additional printings listed. Solid text block, dust remnants to top edge. In the publisher's dust jacket, 12/6 retail price on front flap, shelf wear, light rubbing to corners, near fine condition. Inscribed on the front free endpaper: "To Ken and Margaret Millar / with best regards / Charles Williams." An excellent association copy between two prolific mystery authors. Kenneth Millar, "Ken" in this copy, used numerous pseudonyms over his career, including John Macdonald, John Ross Macdonald, and Ross Macdonald. These pen names, made up of popular Millar family names, were used to help avoid confusion between Kenneth and his wife, Margaret, who was also a mystery fiction author.