Macdonald, Ross. (Pseudonym of Kenneth Millar). SLEEPING BEAUTY: THE RIBBON TYPESCRIPT.

1973]. 332 pages plus the publisher's preliminary pages. With two distinct sets of closely written handwritten corrections and emendations throughout -- by Macdonald in blue ink and by the copy editor in red crayon.

With two typed letters on the publisher's letterhead to Macdonald by his editor, Ashbel Green, querying the author closely about ambiguous plot details. Macdonald's precise responses are written in ink in the body and margins of the letters -- some 100 words in all, in which he elaborates on the rationale for their inclusion.

Included is a 5-page handwritten list by Macdonald of additional word changes to be incorporated into the text -- some 75 pages.

Also present is the original contract for the book (September 15, 1972) signed by publisher and author that spells out the financial terms agreed upon.

All in all, an instructive archive for the book that reveals the care taken by Ross Macdonald to bring the novel into its finished form.

Fine, housed in a custom-made quarter-morocco slipcase.