Thomas Dekker - Mermaid Series - This Copy From the Personal Library of J.B. Priestley, Bearing His Signature

London: Vizetelly & Co., 1887. Book. Fair. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). Unexpurgated Edition. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Signed in ink "J.B. Priestley, Trinity Hall, Cambridge" atop half-title. Presumably he read this book while attending Cambridge following his military service in WWI. Upon front free endpaper is a 5 x 5cm printed label which reads "From the library of J.B. Priestley". Many years later Priestley wrote Found, Lost, Found which featured a hard-drinking protagonist named Thomas Dekker. According to a clipping circa 1893 affixed to half-title, the author of the plays in this book had the same name and 'No man of the day was more familiar with the tavern, the debtors' prison, and the brothel." Thus, it would seem this book had a lasting impact upon Mr. Priestley. Above-average wear to olive green cloth-covered boards. Hinges starting. Moderate lean to spine. Binding intact. Signed in pencil upon half-title by prior owner, Dr. Oscar Clark (d.1913), whose decorative bookplate is mounted inside front board. A wonderful J.B.Priestley collectible..