Six Men – Signed And With An Original Drawing By David McKee

First edition. A & C Black, London. 1972. Signed by the author with an original pen-and-ink drawing.

Oblong quarto, original publisher’s pictorial laminated boards. A scarce early David McKee title, produced before the enormous international success of Elmer, and characteristic of McKee’s sophisticated graphic minimalism of the early 1970s.

The volume is boldly signed by David McKee to the title page and additionally embellished with an original full-page drawing executed directly onto the front free endpaper. The drawing depicts a line of marching figures beneath a sun, rendered in McKee’s instantly recognisable economical black line. Such original drawings are notably uncommon, particularly in conjunction with signed early first editions.

The book follows the story of six men who accumulate wealth, territory and military power, evolving into an allegorical anti-war fable. The visual language is remarkably restrained yet highly effective, with repeated rhythmic figures and sparse typography anticipating McKee’s mature illustrative style.

Published in laminated pictorial boards without dustwrapper, as issued. The striking wraparound design in burnt orange and cream features a procession of stylised figures across the upper board and spine.

Condition: Binding nice and tight. Boards lightly rubbed at extremities with minor bumping to corners and faint surface marking consistent with age. Internally very clean and well preserved throughout. Signature clear and strong. Original drawing in fine condition. A very good example overall.

An increasingly elusive David McKee first edition, especially desirable signed and with original artwork.

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