Description
First edition, first printing of H.M.S. Ulysses by Alistair MacLean, published by Collins, London in 1955. A near fine copy free from inscriptions, some tarnishing to the gilt titling on the spine, a little toning to the text block. In a near fine price clipped wrapper, with chipping to the spine tips, chipping to the knuckles of the front and rear flap folds, a closed tear to the lower edge of front panel, some staining to the top edge of rear panel and with internal restorations.
MacLean’s experiences in the Royal Navy during World War II provided the background and the Arctic convoys to Murmansk provided the basis for the story, which was written at a publisher’s request after he’d won a short-story competition the previous year. Some editions carry a prefatory note disavowing any connection between the fictional cruiser HMS Ulysses and the U-class destroyer of the same name.
