Big Fish, Little Fish, by Hugh Wheeler. 1961 first edition. From the library of Theatre Director, Alan Strachan.

An interesting association copy of Hugh Wheeler’s comedy about a disgraced former professor and the assorted friends who depend upon him, exploring friendship, guilt and the uneasy comforts of mutual dependence. First staged on Broadway in 1961 under John Gielgud’s direction, the play combines sharp humour with sympathy for its flawed characters. This copy comes from the personal library of the distinguished theatre director, writer and biographer Alan Strachan (1944–2025), acquired directly from his former home in Invergowrie, and bears his ownership signature on the first free endpaper.

Big Fish, Little Fish, A new comedy by Hugh Wheeler.

Published by Rupert Hart-Davis, London, 1961. Manufactured in the USA. First edition, stated first impression.

A very good red cloth hardback with silvered title to spine. With original unclipped dustjacket - priced at 12s 6d. The jacket with wear to upper and lower edges, and with some chips to top and a small scratched hole to front. The dustjacket is now housed in a clear, protective, removable sleeve. Signed by Alan Strachan to first free endpaper. The cloth is very good, but with a lightly indented scratch to front.

The text pages are soundly bound and bright and clear, with just a few light spots to text block edge.  With one marginal creased corner fold.

Text in English.

Prelims, including title spread with photographic image + 115pp + 2 photographic plates.

Dimensions: approximately 210mm high x 141mm wide x 20mm deep.

Weight: Approximately 308g (unpacked).