Signed book: George Gershwin’s Songbook. First edition, limited issue, numbered 47/300. NY: Random House, 1932. Hardcover, 9.75 x 13, 167 pages. Boldly signed on the colophon by the composer, George Gershwin, and the illustrator, Constantin Alajalov. Includes a separate unsigned booklet of sheet music, as issued, for Gershwin’s whimsical 1932 composition, ‘Mischa, Yascha, Toscha, Sascha.’ Autographic condition: very fine. Book condition: VG/None. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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Signed book: Porgy and Bess. Limited first edition of 250 copies (this being No. 225). NY: Random House, 1935. Hardcover with slipcase, 9.75 x 12.5, 559 pages. Signed on the colophon in fountain pen by George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, librettists Dubose Heyward, and director Rouben Mamoulian. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/None. Red leather-bound boards with black leather title-pieces, gilted upper textblock edge, and handmade endpapers. Minor rubbing to edges; spine rubbed and slightly sunned; insect damage to spine-edges and front/rear interior hinges; hinge following title page is cracked; mild foxing and discoloration to textblock edges and endpapers; small seller’s sticker to rear pastedown. In protective plastic sleeve and VG- slipcase, with rubbed and fraying edges to the woven, strawlike fabric. Seldom offered, these editions are highly coveted by collectors. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
Signed book: Porgy and Bess. Limited first edition of 250 copies (this being No. 224). NY: Random House, 1935. Hardcover with slipcase, 9.75 x 12.5, 559 pages. Signed on the colophon in fountain pen by George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, librettist Dubose Heyward, and director Rouben Mamoulian. Autographic condition: fine. Porgy and Bess, written as an ‘American folk opera’ according to George Gershwin, made its premiere on Broadway in the fall of 1935, and later toured several eastern cities. Although deemed a commercial failure during its initial run, it is now regarded as one of the most important American operas of the 20th century. Book condition: VG-/VG-. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
Very nice vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Gershwin working on a composition while at his piano, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen, “To George McDevitt—all good wishes—George Gershwin,” adding four bars from ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ to the left of his signature. Beautifully double-matted and framed to an overall size of 15 x 16.75. In fine condition, with a couple unobtrusive surface creases. A magnificent image of the great American composer plying his craft. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
Signed book: Porgy and Bess. Limited first edition of 250 copies (this being No. 225). NY: Random House, 1935. Hardcover with slipcase, 9.75 x 12.5, 559 pages. Signed on the colophon in fountain pen by George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, librettists Dubose Heyward, and director Rouben Mamoulian. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/None. Red leather-bound boards with black leather title-pieces, gilted upper textblock edge, and handmade endpapers. Minor rubbing to edges; spine rubbed and slightly sunned; insect damage to spine-edges and front/rear interior hinges; hinge following title page is cracked; mild foxing and discoloration to textblock edges and endpapers; small seller’s sticker to rear pastedown. In protective plastic sleeve and VG- slipcase, with rubbed and fraying edges to the woven, strawlike fabric. Seldom offered, these editions are highly coveted by collectors. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
Stunning vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of Gershwin playing the piano, boldly signed and inscribed in the lower border in black ink, “To Mrs. M. Whelan—Every good wish, George Gershwin, June 1928,” adding a four-bar AMQS from ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ below. In fine condition, with some very light toning along the right border. A truly extraordinary photo—the flawlessly penned signature and musical quote from his most famous composition make this one of the most exceptional Gershwin pieces we have ever encountered. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.