Anthony Burgess (author) A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (first UK edition, inscribed by Burgess to Si Litvinoff, producer of the 1971 film adaptation directed by Stanley Kubrick) Book

London: William Heinemann, 1962. First Edition. In the second issue binding (purple cloth) and second issue jacket (price-clipped, front and rear flaps measuring 8 cm and 10 cm, respectively). Light foxing to top page edges, else book is quite clean. Title lettering on jacket is a touch faded, else only minute rubbing and a couple of tiny closed tears to note. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket.

Copy inscribed by author Anthony Burgess to Si Litvinoff, the single most important catalyst in the transition of Burgess’ masterpiece from the literary world to the screen. Litvinoff handled Burgess’ little-known attempt at a screenplay adaptation in 1965. After Burgess dropped out, Litvinoff purchased the option for the film rights for $1000 and shepherded filmmaking attempts by several other screenwriters, directors and actors–including Terry Southern, Nicolas Roeg and Mick Jagger–until Stanley Kubrick ultimately wrote and directed the now-legendary 1971 film adaptation. With Litvinoff’s owner name on the front endpaper, and inscribed to him by Burgess on the title page: “To dear Si / with much affection / John / Anthony.”

In the wake of Nicholas Roeg’s release from directorial duties on A Clockwork Orange, Litvinoff produced Walkabout (1971), then later The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976).

An attractive copy and a stunning association.