Smart

In June 2011 we facilitated the sale of a RARE first edition Malcolm Saville hardback book - one of just six copies* produced - sold for the first time in 33 years.

It is with great sadness we report that Robert Smart, a personal friend and supporter of Malcolm Saville's work, passed away on 25th January after suffering a period of illness from cancer.

Robert was a life-long Lone Piner and, as an adult, corresponded and built a firm friendship with Malcolm Saville. Robert's wife asked for our help in finding a home for a particularly rare Malcolm Saville book which is why this page was originally created, for viewing by prospective purchasers.

I must point out that we acted as intermediaries in this matter but made no financial gain from the role.

~~~~~~ What's special about Home to Witchend ? ~~~~~~

Home to Witchend was the final book in Malcolm Saville's long-running Lone Pine adventure series for children. It was first published in 1978 as 'An Armada Original' and was the only Lone Pine title to appear first as a paperback; it wasn't until the following year that it appeared as a hardback - at least that is what most people have been led to believe until now!

The publication of Home to Witchend was special, not just because it tied up loose ends and brought the Lone Pine series to a conclusion but it also marked the completion of a significant milestone - over two million Lone Pine books had now been sold worldwide.

Partly to celebrate this and, partly it is generally believed, to appease Malcolm Saville who was disappointed the new title was not being published in hardback, his publishers produced a short run (believed to be just six copies*) of hardback books which were then presented to him as a gift. Malcolm Saville shared these only with family and close friends.

Armada, who published Home to Witchend, created these rare items by taking the unbound pages of their first edition print run and bound them in hardback, finished in a blue leather covering; the books did not have a dustwrapper.

Thirty-three years have now passed since Home to Witchend was first published and none of those six books* - specially bound first edition hardback books of this title - are believed to have ever come onto the open market and been offered for sale, until our auction.

With that in mind, it became a really exciting opportunity for collectors of Malcolm Saville books to pick up what is arguably the rarest of all his books. What's more, it came with it's own history, authenticated by Malcolm Saville's own handwritten inscription, clearly visible inside the book. It sold for £1,770 which is believed to be a new price record.

* Exact quantity unverified but believed to be just six copies.

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About the Author

Leonard Malcolm Saville (1901-1982) was a popular author who wrote over ninety books for children. He was a contemporary of Enid Blyton and Richmal Crompton and is most commonly remembered for his Lone Pine adventure series. Malcolm Saville wrote a mixture of fiction and non-fiction placing particular emphasis on real places, wildlife, mystery and family values; all these meant a great deal to him.

In 1994 a group of enthusiasts set up a Malcolm Saville Society which has now enrolled over 1,000 members - www.witchend.com.

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Cangeford House, Cangeford Drive, Ludlow SY8 1XL

Updated: December_2011