London: Heinemann, 2004

8vo, pp. 362. Original yellow boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Illustrated dustwrapper. A fine copy in a near fine dustwrapper with just the very lightest of wear to head of spine.

First UK edition, INSCRIBED BY MEL SMITH TO ALAN RICKMAN: 'June 2006. Alan -- I know you'll adore this. Love, Mel.' Also laid in, a postcard from Mel Smith, handwritten and on his own stationery, to Rickman: 'Alan, Thank you so much for being a friend and responding so brilliantly to my cry in the dark. Much respect. May your shrubbery glisten and sparkle and grow. Mel.'

Mel Smith and Alan Rickman were both educated at Latymer's independent school in Hammersmith, London, and in 1999 returned to their alma mater as celebrities to mark the opening of the school's Edward Latymer Theatre. On 17 June 2006 Rickman attended the birthday party of Mel Smith's partner Pam at the couple's home in Little Haseley. A wonderful day, according to Rickman's diary: 'Perfect English summer party weather, loads of people, lawns, swimming pool, jugglers, friends, chats.' This is surely the event at which Smith presented the book to his friend; the story behind the postcard laid in to it, however, remains obscure.