WAUGH, Evelyn (1903-1966). Labels: a Mediterranean Journal. London: Duckworth, 1930.

A presentation copy of the first edition of Waugh’s first travel book, inscribed on the front endpaper: "for M.C. d'Arcy from Evelyn Waugh Sept. 1930." The London edition was written and published before Waugh’s divorce, causing a general rewrite for the American edition, where the couple is fictionalized and the title changed to A Bachelor Abroad. This copy is inscribed to prominent Roman Catholic priest, author, and intellectual Martin D'Arcy, who influenced Waugh's conversion to Catholicism. Educated at Oxford, he later lectured in philosophy and served as master of Campion Hall. D'Arcy was further known for being a brilliant conversationalist and friend of T.S. Eliot, Dame Edith Sitwell, Dorothy Sayers, Albert Einstein, and others. He was the basis for the character of Father Rothschild in Vile Bodies and the head of the Jesuits in England from 1945-50.

Octavo. Frontispiece and 8 illustrations on 4 plates (lacking route map at p. 38). Publisher's blue cloth (fading to spine, short tear along rear joint, some discoloration to covers). Provenance: Martin Cyril D'Arcy, 1888-1976, Roman Catholic priest (authorial inscription).