Autograph Note Signed / Autograph Manuscript (unsigned) / Inscribed Book

WILLIAMS, Wayland Wells (1888-1945)

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Popular American novelist whose works include "The Whirligig of Time" (1916), "Family" (1923), "The Seafarers" (1924) and "I, the King: The Story of a Rich Young Man" (1924). Superb trio of items: First, an ANS, 1p, 5¼" X 6 3/4", New Haven, CT, 1923 March 26. Addressed to Professor Albert Johannsen, author of "The House of Beadle and Adams and Its Dime and Nickel Novels" (University of Oklahoma Press, 1950), the definitive reference work and bibliography on the subject. Near fine. "In answer to your request," writes Williams, "I enclose a page from the MS of my novel 'Goshen Street.' It must have been written in the summer of 1919." Bold full signature. Second, the aforementioned manuscript page, an unsigned AM, 1p, 8½" X 11", n.p., n.y. Near fine. Full holograph leaf, in pencil and marked as page 294, from this novel published by Frederic A. Stokes Company in New York in 1920. Williams' script is, as usual, hurried by fairly legible. Also present is Johannsen's original 8½" X 11" file folder, bearing a printed "Collection of Albert Johannsen" label (partly filled in by Johannsen). Third and last -- but certainly not least, is an inscribed first edition of "Goshen Street." Small 8vo. Brown cloth. 323pp. Very good. Slight bit of edgewear and bumped corners, but tight and attractive overall. Delightfully, this is Williams' personal copy of his book, bearing his handsome custom bookplate on the front pastedown. Opposite this, on the front flyleaf, he inscribes it boldly and whimsically -- to himself! "W.W. Williams / from / The Author. / Harding Day, 1920. / (On this day W.L. Phelps talked / of this book in his public lecture, / and this copy was used by him / in reviewing the work for the N.Y. / Times, Sunday Oct. 31)." Phelps (1865-1943) was an English professor at Yale University (1892-1933) and a popular and influential literary critic, essayist and lecturer. Do you call it an "association copy" when the author inscribes it to himself? Why Phelps would be using Williams' personal copy of "Goshen Street" as his review copy (or how Williams ended up Phelps' review copy) is a mystery -- though the fact that Williams and Phelps both lived in New Haven probably had something to do with it! An incredibly unusual and handsome trio.

Codice articolo 18118

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: Autograph Note Signed / Autograph Manuscript (unsigned) / Inscribed Book
• Rilegatura: Hardcover
• Edizione: prima edizione
• Firmato: Autografato dall'autore
• Cataloghi dei venditori:
  • Authors
  • Autographs