‘TO ALASDAIR [GRAY] FROM PHILIP’ Essentials of Literary Criticism

Alasdair Gray’s inscribed copy of this guide to the discussion of English literary texts, designed primarily for the first-year university student. A near fine paperback, covers and edges lightly soiled. Inscribed by the author to verso of front cover “To Alasdair love from Philip July 1983’. A near fine copy.

Provenance: from the recent Glasgow dispersal sale of Alasdair Gray’s library. Gray (1934-2019) is acknowledged as one of the most innovative figures in Scottish literature and culture. Painter, novelist, playwright, poet and editor, Gray frequently combined his diverse artistic talents within single works to challenge existing forms. He has been described as ‘Blending satire and tragedy,realism and fantasy and his work has been credited with spurring a renaissance in Scottish literature.’