Betty Mahmoody was an American trapped in Tehran, imprisoned by her husband. Betty finally escaped, with her daughter Mahtob, across the mountain range bordering Iran and Turkey, a crossing that few women or children had ever made.

Betty's story was published as "Not Without my Daughter", a true story written by Betty and William Hoffer, the co-author of Midnight Express. The book was later turned into a film in 1991, starring Sally Field.

On April 2nd 2000 Margaret Thatcher and Betty Mahmoody were both at the Ohio Theater in Columbus, Ohio. Thatcher was there for a lecture tour, Mahmoody had been to the theater earlier to drop off a copy of her book as a gift for Mrs Thatcher.

On an inside page Mahtob Mahmoody has written:

"Dear Lady Thatcher, I have been amazed by you since I was a small child. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have the opportunity to meet you. It is truly an honour! Best wishes Mahtob Mahmoody"

Betty Mahmoody has also added her signature below.

The book was intended as a gift to Mrs Thatcher but was incorrectly placed in a pile of items for Mrs Thatcher to sign. Mrs Thatcher has in turn signed the inside title page:

"To Betty Mahmoody, a wonderful and courageous lady, With admiration, Margaret Thatcher".

A letter of provenance (see image 4) from the vendor explains, in part:

"I was in charge of giving everything that Lady Thatcher was to sign to Scotland Yard officers... Betty Mahmoody and her daughter had signed the book...intended it to be a gift for Lady Thatcher...Lady Thatcher instead signed the book and put it back in a pile to go downstairs"

A lovely set of signatures and a great story.