Information Folder: Robert Rossen Presents. Alexander the Great

Large quarto. 310 leaves printed rectos only. Oak tag wrappers with applied illustration and text "Information Folder" applied on front wrap. Modest chip on applied illustration, else near fine. Laid in is a specially prepared card folder housing six pages of story and images from *Life* magazine about the sword and sandals epic film featuring Richard Burton, Frederic March, and Claire Bloom. A massive compilation of information on the story, expansive narrative of the action, historical background, locations, actors and crew in painstaking detail, presumably used to promote the film, but the size suggest it was too unwieldy for widespread practical use. Provenance (provided upon request) suggests that it was Robert Rossen's own copy, perhaps largely prepared by him as well. Rossen wrote, directed, and produced the film and was clearly invested in its success. He had testified before HUAC and even though he had directed such great films *A Walk in the Sun* 1945 and *All the King's Men* 1949* (and later *The Hustler* 1961), he clearly needed a hit. Alas, the film was only a modest success, despite Rossen receiving a Directors Guild of America nomination for Best Director. Our strong suspicion is that this was one of very few copies produced, and indeed it may be unique. …