TARKINGTON, Booth

Presenting Lily Mars

First edition. Small stain on the copyright page (and the facing dedication page), a little smudging to the boards, a near fine copy in a partially price-clipped, very good plus dustwrapper with a small chip at the crown, and light edgewear. Nicely Inscribed by the author to his close friend, and occasional co-author, Harry Leon Wilson: "For H. L., who may be reminded of something or somebody, here or there. N. B. T. Aug. 26, 1933. Kennebunkport." Interestingly, Tarkington signs using his true first initial "N" for his real first name "Newton," which he seldom did -- perhaps he did so as a lighthearted jab at Wilson, who often went by the name "H. Leon Wilson." The novel was bought by MGM as a dramatic vehicle for Lana Turner, the script turned out to be too lighthearted and Norman Taurog's 1943 film version was instead a musical, showcasing Judy Garland as the small-town girl who impresses Broadway producer Van Heflin. A great association copy: Tarkington and Wilson collaborated on a number of plays early in their careers, several of which were filmed, probably most notably, The Man From Home in 1914 (and re-filmed again in 1922), one of the earliest feature films directed by Cecil B. De Mille; as well as their collaboration Cameo Kirby, filmed first in 1914, but mostly notably by John Ford in 1923 with John Gilbert, Alan Hale, and Jean Arthur. Wilson, who was married to Rose O'Neill (creator of the Kewpie Doll), wrote several other books that were filmed, including Merton of the Movies, Ruggles of Red Gap, and Bunker Bean; as were many of Tarkington's books, resulting in over sixty films, including The Magnificent Ambersons.

[BTC #87556]