First edition. Octavo. Publisher’s original purple cloth, lettered gilt, in the original dustwrapper.
 
With a long inscription by J.L. Carr, discussing the novel, its reception, and growing irrelevance to the front free endpaper:
 
“For Christopher Challis
When this book was written, I confidently canvassed it amongst teachers as making purchase and perusal of any other textbooks on education unnecessary.
But now, I am distressed to learn from young teachers that it seemingly is hopelessly out of date.
There is no place for George Harpole, Mr Pintle, Mrs Rita Grindle-Jones and Grace Tollimache. They are has-beens. Their steadfast tenets are derided, their altars thrown down.
The Emma Foxberrows have taken over and are making a mess of things.
So I suppose you have bought The Report out of sentiment, a recollection of a vanished world to which you look back - can this be? - with affection and respect.
JL Carr
April 23rd
1990.”
 
An ex-library copy, with faint stamps to the title page, some abrasion and label remnants to the front endpapers. Carr has written over the abrasion, indicating it was purchased as an ex-library copy by the recipient. A clipping is pasted to the title page.
 
PROVENANCE: Christopher Challis (1946-1997), poet and friend of J.L. Carr.