Cinema and Literature from James Pepper Rare Books
The latest collection from James Pepper Rare Books.
By Michael Stillman
James Pepper Rare Books has issued its Catalogue 166 of "literary first editions, mystery and detective fiction, rare cinema material, and assorted unusual offerings." This catalogue will not surprise, but will certainly please those familiar with Pepper's offerings. The material is similar to other catalogues, but new. It is filled with the names of writers and actors, books and films, that everyone knows. Here is a look inside.
Item 22 is a most interesting first edition of the Cole Porter classic Kiss Me, Kate -- A Musical Play, from 1953. It contains a lengthy inscription from actress Patricia Morison, explaining how she got the leading role. Writes Ms. Morison, "I had been in films for years, and wasn't known as a singer... My manager Wynn Rocamora drove me to Cole Porter's home on Rockingham, telling me that it wasn't really an audition, just to let me get used to singing in front of people. In front of Cole Porter! I was terrified, and sang Rodgers and Hammerstein. He jumped up from the piano and handed me the score of 'Kiss Me, Kate' and 'take it home and learn it' he said. It was a special moment in my life." Special indeed. She sings Rodgers and Hammerstein in front of Cole Porter and gets the job anyway. Ms. Morison's role as "Kate" on Broadway is surely her most notable one in a long career (while no longer acting, she still attends theatrical functions at age 92). Priced at $3,000.
Item 100 is a rare signed and inscribed copy of Eugene O'Neill's last work, A Moon for the Misbegotten. It was published in 1952, the year before he died. This copy is inscribed to his stepdaughter, who assisted him by typing up his manuscript for the play. Writes O'Neill, "For Cyn, whom I regard as a collaborator in this opus...Your admiring Step-Pop, Gene, August 1952." O'Neill's writing career was stopped by a neurological condition which caused his hands to shake violently. Despite this, he managed to sign limited editions of some of his works. However, he was unable to do so with his last book, so that only a few signed copies, inscribed to those closest to him, are to be found. $15,000.
Item 72 ties together one of the greatest writers and film directors of the 20th century. The writer is Sinclair Lewis, author of notable works such as "Elmer Gantry." Offered is a first edition of his 1925 book Arrowsmith. It's the story of a small-town doctor who balances his desire to serve humanity with personal ambitions and opportunities for wealth as he makes important scientific discoveries. It is inscribed to the great director, John Ford, who produced the film adaptation of Lewis' tale. Pens Lewis, "To John Ford, who made the best picture I have ever seen -- 'Arrowsmith' I think it was called." $5,500.
Now it's time to balance the sublime with the tacky. Item 105 is Andrew Morton's Monica's Story, signed by the heroine, Monica Lewinsky. Whatever was Bill thinking? $275.
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Cinema and Literature from James Pepper Rare Books
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Item 44 is William Faulkner's first appearance in print, and not how you might expect to see him. It is a copy of the Ole Miss Yearbook 1916-1917. Faulkner contributes not a literary achievement to this yearbook but a drawing. $7,500.
Item 101 is an unpublished typed manuscript short story by Elliot Paul, best known for "The Last Time I Saw Paris." Paul was one of the Paris expatriates of the 1920s and his best-known work recounts that time. This 33-page short story is entitled Walter Dock. Dock is a government worker who slowly withdraws from society as he develops antisocial behaviors. He goes out to a nearby park and watches people for hours, climbs trees, and looks in his neighbors' windows. Eventually he is institutionalized. $1,850.
Item 143 is one of just two copies in a special publisher's binding of a biography of actress Natalie Wood by her sister, Lana. The title is Natalie. A Memoir by Her Sister, published in 1984. Just two such copies bound in full dark blue leather were made. One was given to Lana Wood, and the other (this copy) to her ghostwriter, journalist Wayne Warga. $650.
Item 89 is a photograph of everyone's favorite talking horse, the famous Mr. Ed. Ed was quite loquacious, for a horse, but wasn't good for much else. In this photograph, Ed is pictured with his parents, so to speak, Alan Young and Connie Hines, who have signed it. Alas, Ed could not write, so his signature is missing. $75.
James Pepper Rare Books may be found online at www.jamespepperbooks.com, telephone 805-963-1025.
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