DEDICATION COPY OF BEHIND THE SCENES AT WIMBLEDON, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO THE DUCHESS OF KENT

MACAULAY, A.D.C. Behind the Scenes at Wimbledon. London: Collins, 1965. Octavo, publisher's half green morocco gilt, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. $1750.

First edition, the dedication copy, inscribed on the half title, "To Her Royal Highness Princess Mariana, Duchess of Kent. With my grateful thanks, Ma'am, for the encouragement you have always given to me in running Wimbledon. Duncan Macaulay." Also signed on the title page by Duncan Macaulay, Jackie Smyth and W.A.R. Collins.

Long-time Wimbledon secretary Duncan Macaulay surveys the history of the world's oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament since 1922, when the All England Club moved to its famous Church Road location. Macaulay inscribed this copy to the dedicatee, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, longtime president of The All England Club. It may have been specially bound in the Club's colors—a green morocco spine (after the green cloth gilt of the first edition) and purple cloth boards—for presentation. Illustrated with 10 black-and-white photographic plates. Also signed on the title page by Macaulay, Jackie Smyth and W.A.R. Collins. Sir John "Jackie" Smyth was awarded the Victoria Cross during his military service in World War I, and went on to serve in Parliament as well as write on a variety of subjects, including tennis for the Sunday Times. William Alexander Roy Collins, publisher, served on committees overseeing the Wimbledon championships.

Spine and spine ends lightly rubbed. A unique inscribed and signed copy in very nearly fine condition.