First American edition, first printing. The Dedication Copy. Publisher's original black cloth with gilt titles to the spine, in dustwrapper. A very good copy, the binding firm with a little bumping at the spine tips and corners. The contents, with the blind impression of a paperclip at the edge of the dedication page are otherwise clean throughout. Complete with the rubbed, nicked and creased dustwrapper. Not price-clipped ($4.95 to the upper front flap). A collection of four short stories.
Inscribed by the author in blue ink on the dedication page above and below the printed dedication "Darling Kit" with an arrow to the printed dedication that reads 'For Katherine Cornell with my love', underneath which he signs "Noel". Loosely laid in is a note in the hand of the theatre icon dedicatee, beginning with Coward's Les Avants telephone number and ending "Do come and slum with us soon, Blessings, thanks, love Kit". Katharine Cornell was one of the most respected, versatile stage actresses of the early to mid 20th century, moving easily from comedy to melodrama, and from classics to contemporary plays. She was a particularly accomplished interpreter of romantic and character roles.
Stock code: 22146
£750