LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND

Osbert Sitwell, RS 1946.

The title of Sir Osbert Sitwell’s autobiography, of which this is the first volume, is derived from the idea that the lines on the left hand are those with which we are born, and the lines on the right hand are those which we make ourselves. The comparison between a life inherited and a life made can be easily studied here, for, while inheriting certain traditions of life in England, Sir Osbert has made for himself the life of an artist.

 All the author’s various talents are here fused in an exciting and an enthralling book. The novelist and short- story writer combine to give it a narrative interest; the poet gives it form and discipline, and the satirist and essayist provide their own pungency and humour. Sir Osbert Sitwell was born in 1892 and was the eldest son of the late Sir George Sitwell of Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire, whom he succeeded as fifth baronet in 1943. He was educated at Eton and served in The Grenadier Guards from 1912 to 1919.

 The dustjacket is well worn and rubbed, with some small splits and chips and is in two halves. We have left it in place for it's token value! The spine of the book itself is slightly faded and there is an ink signature on the top of the FEP. Other than this the book is in very good condition, with clean pages and tightly bound.