My Old Man's A Dustman by Wolf Mankowitz Signed First Edition Andre Deutsch 1956. A VG book in a VG jacket, signed and inscribed by Wolf Mankowitz on the front endpaper.

Wolf Mankowitz's My Old Man's a Dustman (1956) is a vibrant novella bursting with East End exuberance and Cockney flair. It follows the irrepressible Danny, a rag-and-bone man whose life of scavenging treasures—old prams, chipped teacups, and dubious antiques—collides with his dreams of striking it rich. When he uncovers a potential Rembrandt in a dustbin, Danny's schemes spiral into hilarious chaos, involving shady dealers, family squabbles, and a parade of eccentric locals. Mankowitz's masterful use of idiomatic dialogue transforms the mundane into poetry, delivering 187 pages of poignant, laugh-out-loud satire on aspiration and community in post-war London.

This novella enchants collectors of mid-20th-century British literature, especially scarce André Deutsch firsts with their evocative jackets capturing Cockney vibrancy. As a cornerstone in Mankowitz's celebrated oeuvre—echoing his A Kid for Two Farthings charm or Expresso Bongo wit—it captivates readers craving spirited tales of underdog grit and linguistic glee. Its rarity in signed or pristine form, paired with timeless appeal for fans of working-class humor, makes My Old Man's a Dustman a gleaming find for both bibliographic enthusiasts and those seeking a rollicking, era-steeped romp.