Carmen Jones.

First edition of this classic play. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "To Wolfe, with gratitude for all he did to successfully re-launch this very old debutante. Sincerely, Oscar." The recipient, Wolfe Kaufman was the director of publicity for the run of Carmen Jones from December 2, 1943 to February 10, 1945. Kaufman was a leading general manager and press director for Brigadoon S. Hurok's production of Hamlet, Paint Your Wagon, The Rose Tattoo and many other Broadway plays and musicals. On the front pastedown is the bookplate of Rita Allen, showing Ms. Allen reading a book in a theatre box, while other occupants of the box are looking at the production in the opposite direction. Rita Allen was a well-known theatrical producer in the 1950s and 60s (The Grass Harp, My 3 Angels, at the Rita Allen Theater and other venues) and was the founder of the Rita Allen Foundation of Princeton, New Jersey. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket, bookplate. Rare and desirable signed.