Medellin: Aguirre Editor (1961). First edition of the author's rare second book, a novella about a retired colonel who waits in vain for his pension. Inscribed by the author: "Par Robert Kinsley, cordialmeente, Garcia Marquez, Mexico D. F. 1963". By Garcia Marquez's own account, none of his books up to Cien Anos (One Hundred Years of Solitude) sold more than 700 copies, & experience suggests that no more than 2000 (more likely 1000) copies of this title were printed. Small 8vo, original printed wrappers. Very fine copy.