Signed & Autographed Books

Shem, Samuel

The Spirit of the Place.

Kent, OH : The Kent University Press, 2008.

First edition of this ambitious novel about the complicated relationships between mothers and sons, doctors and patients, the past and the present, and love and death. Octavo, original boards. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page using his real name, “To Arline, Best wishes, Steve.” Fine in a fine dust jacket. CoverContinue reading "The Spirit of the Place."

King Jr., Martin Luther

Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story.

New York : Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1958.

First edition of Dr. Martin Luther King’s first book. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated. Boldly signed by the author on the front free endpaper, “Best Wishes Martin Luther King, Jr.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Housed in a custom slipcase. Rare and desirable signed.

Thomas, Bob [Walt Disney]

The Art of Animation: The Story of the Disney Studio Contribution to a New Art.

New York : Simon and Schuster, 1958.

First edition of this definitive work on the animation of Walt Disney. Quarto, original half cloth, pictorial endpapers. Association copy, inscribed by Walt Disney opposite the title page, “To Ralph All Best Walt.” The recipient, Ralph Hulett was a director, known for Sleeping Beauty, Lady and the Tramp and Peter Pan. Additionally signed by manyContinue reading "The Art of Animation: The Story of the Disney Studio Contribution to a New Art."

Crews, Harry

Karate Is a Thing of the Spirit.

New York : William Morrow and Company, 1971.

First edition of the author’s classic fourth novel. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “Dear Michael– Good and dear friend–All good things in your life Harry Crews July 75 Gainsville, Fl.” The recipient, Michael Hargraves was a close friend of the Crews and author of Harry CrewsContinue reading "Karate Is a Thing of the Spirit."

Murdoch, Iris

Under the Net.

London : Chatto & Windus, 1954.

First edition of Murdoch’s first novel which announced “the emergence of a brilliant talent” (Times Literary Supplement). Octavo, original cloth. Boldly signed by Iris Murdoch on the title page. Additionally laid in is a signed postcard, which reads, “Merry Christmas! Iris” postdated December 19, 1953. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket, name toContinue reading "Under the Net."

Wiener, Norbert

The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1950.

First edition of this classic work. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Larta Blanca Norbert Wiener.” Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by Richard Bartlett. Rare and desirable signed and inscribed.

Johnson, Osa

I Married Adventure: The Life and Adventures of Martin and Osa Johnson.

Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott Company, 1940.

Signed limited first edition of Johnson’s classic work, number 167 of 520 copies. Octavo, original half cloth, photographic endpapers illustrated with 83 aquatone illustrations. Boldly signed by the author, “Best African wishes Osa Johnson.” In near fine condition, contemporary name to the front free endpaper.

Drucker, Peter F

Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices.

New York : Harper & Row, Publishers, 1974.

First edition, early printing of this management classic. Octavo, original red cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Jack Nold with warmest regards Peter F. Drucker.” Near fine in a very good price-clipped dust jacket, date to the front free endpaper. Jacket design by Roy La Grone. Rare andContinue reading "Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices."

Vargas Llosa, Mario

In Praise of Stepmother.

New York : Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1990.

First edition of this novel by “one of the master storytellers of our time” (Denis Lynn Heyck, Chicago Tribune Book World). Octavo, original boards. Boldly signed by Mario Vargas Llosa on the title page. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Cynthia Krupat. Translated by Helen Lane.

Rosen, Michael; Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.

London : Walker Books, 1989.

First edition of this modern children’s classic. Oblong quarto, original cloth, illustrated endpapers. Boldly signed by the author on the title page, “hello! Michael Rosen.” Fine in a near fine price-clipped dust jacket. With the original ticket of the appearance of Rosen laid in. Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Rare and desirable signed.

The Temptation To Do Good.

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First edition of this “convincing and haunting novel” (Publishers Weekly) by the father of modern management. Octavo, original cloth. Boldly signed by Peter Drucker on the front free endpaper. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Jacket design by William Graef. Author’s photograph by Rob Lewine.

Travers, P.L. [Dick Van Dyke]

Mary Poppins.

New York : Harcourt, Brace & Company, 1997.

Signed limited edition of this children’s classic, one of 100 numbered copies, this is number 37. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated by Mary Shepard. In fine condition. Additionally signed “God bless! Dick Van Dyke” on the front free endpaper, who starred in the 1964 film adaptation. A unique example.

Potter, Beatrix

The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

London : Privately Printed, 1901.

First edition, privately printed by the author (preceding all other editions) one of only 250 copies of this children’s classic. 12 mo, original cloth, illustrated, leaf patterned end-papers. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author in the year of publication on the front free endpaper, “for Mrs Oliver, from Beatrix Potter– with kind regards and best wishes forContinue reading "The Tale of Peter Rabbit."

Hayek, F.A. [Friedrich August von]

F.A. Hayek Collection of 28 Index Cards with Autograph Manuscript Notes on economics and Other Subjects.

1970s-1980s.

Rare collection of 28 index cards from the library of F.A. Hayek with autograph manuscript notes and statements on economics, political theory, and other subjects. Many considering how economic structures drive social change and the power of free markets (“…”Men without common purposes and men which [sic] do not even know of each other canContinue reading "F.A. Hayek Collection of 28 Index Cards with Autograph Manuscript Notes on economics and Other Subjects."

Cheever, Susan [Erica Jong]

Treetops: A Family Memoir.

New York : Bantam Books, 1991.

First edition of the sequel to the author’s prize-winning memoir, Home Before Dark. Octavo, original half cloth, pictorial endpapers. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “Miami Fla. March 1991 For Erica and Ken with love Susan.” The recipients, American writer Erica Jong and lawyer Kenneth David Burrows were married inContinue reading "Treetops: A Family Memoir."

Cheever, Susan

Home Before Dark: A Biographical Memoir of John Cheever by His Daughter.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1984.

First edition of Cheever’s candid portrait of her father, John Cheever. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “New York City October 1984 To Burrows with love from his old friend Susan.” The recipient, American litigator Kenneth David Burrows married American novelist Erica Jong in 1989. Jong remainsContinue reading "Home Before Dark: A Biographical Memoir of John Cheever by His Daughter."

Cheever, Susan

The Cage.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1982.

First edition of the author’s third novel. Octavo, original half cloth. Presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “New York May 31. 1983 For Ken Burrows For Whom my affection will never be remaindered Love Susan.” The recipient, American litigator Kenneth David Burrows married American novelist Erica Jong in 1989.Continue reading "The Cage."

Cheever, Susan [Erica Jong]

Note Found in a Bottle: My Life as a Drinker.

New York : Simon & Schuster, 1999.

First edition of Cheever’s frank and moving autobiography. Octavo, original half cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper in the year of publication, “New York City January 1999 For Erica and Ken What can I say? No words could begin to express mt gratitude, my fond memories, my affection andContinue reading "Note Found in a Bottle: My Life as a Drinker."

Cheever, Susan

A Handsome Man.

New York : Simon and Schuster, 1981.

First edition of this work by the award-winning author. Octavo, original half cloth. Presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “April 30 New York For Burrows with love Susan.” The recipient, American litigator Kenneth David Burrows married American novelist Erica Jong in 1989. Jong remains best known for her 1973Continue reading "A Handsome Man."

Matthews, Douglas; Suzanne Wymelenberg; and Susan Cheever Cowley [Erica Jong]

Secondhand is Better (2H=B).

New York : Arbor House, 1975.

First edition of this unique handbook to secondhand buying. Octavo, original half cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by Susan Cheever Cowley on the front free endpaper, “To Burrows, without whose diverse and grateful help this book – and a lot of other things – would not have been possible. Susan.” The recipient, American litigator Kenneth DavidContinue reading "Secondhand is Better (2H=B)."

Shem, Samuel

The Spirit of the Place.

Kent, OH : The Kent University Press, 2008.

First edition of this ambitious novel about the complicated relationships between mothers and sons, doctors and patients, the past and the present, and love and death. Octavo, original boards. Boldly signed by Samuel Shem on the title page. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Cover art by Marc Chagall.

Orwell, George

George Orwell Typed Letter Signed.

June 1945.

Rare typed letter signed “Geo. Orwell“, to Gerry Byrne announcing that “my wife died three months ago, very suddenly and unexpectedly”, writing about the aftermath of her death including his relief that their son Richard was too young to to miss her (“…He is now 13 1/2 months old and is extremely well. He hasContinue reading "George Orwell Typed Letter Signed."

Orwell, George

George Orwell Autographed Letter Signed.

June 1944.

Rare autographed letter signed by George Orwell signed to Amy Charlesworth Byrne detailing his usual weekly routines between his home and the offices of Tribune, in order to make lunch arrangements to meet her and her husband, also promising her a book (“…I’ll try & find a copy of ‘Burmese Days for you. These PenguinsContinue reading "George Orwell Autographed Letter Signed."

Hurston, Zora Neale

Mules and Men.

Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott Company, 1935.

First edition of Hurston’s classic work, “the most engaging, genuine, and skillfully written book in the field of folklore” (Alan Lomax). Octavo, original cloth, with 10 illustrations by Miguel Covarrubias. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles to the spine, gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, raised bands, innerContinue reading "Mules and Men."