Book Society: Reminiscences of a Literary Agent

New York & Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Atheneum, 1980. 1st American Edition . Hardcover. Like New/Very Good. 8vo or 8° (Medium Octavo): 7¾" x 9¾" tall. Andre Deutsch (Photo). 164 pp. Personal experiences of a British literary agent. Essentially flawless copy with minimal wear to dj. Synopsis: Book Society is the personal reminiscences of a leading British literary agent who has spent forty-four years in publishing. Graham Watson began his career in his father's publishing firm, and after active service in World War II joined, in 1947, the London literary agency of Curtis Brown. He is now head of that prestigious firm, whose distinguished clients have included three prime ministers. The literary agent is in an advantageous position in the world of publishing. He is better able to observe both writers and publishers than either of them can observe the other. In this delightful memoir, Graham Watson writes about the American and English authors and publishers he has known. With humor and affection he recalls hunting for books with John Steinbeck; a disastrous boat trip with John O'Hara; intimidating encounters with Gore Vidal. He describes, with an uncommon blend of shrewdness and kindness, some of his dealings as a literary agent: a collision over the official secrets act, the. discovery of Thesiger's Arabian Sands, how Antonia Fraser came to write Mary Queen of Scots. From such experiences emerge his views of the agent's place in publishing. Book-loving outsiders often express envy for' those who work in books. Graham Watson's story confirms that this work is, indeed, deeply rewarding, and rich in the contact it brings with both writers and the written word. Watson's unaffected enjoyment of his profession makes his writing thoroughly engaging. This charming memoir belongs in the collections of all concerned with or about books.