George Gershwin [Ann Ronell's Copy]

Armitage, Merle - ed

Published by Longmans, Green & Co, New York, 1938

About this Item

Lovely copy of this tribute collection designed and edited by Merle Armitage containing articles by Schoenberg, Harold Arlen, Rosamond Johnson, Rudy Vallee, Jerome Kern, and many others. This was published shortly after the shocking death of Gershwin from a brain tumor in 1937. This copy inscribed by the elite Hollywood talent agent, Victor Orsatti to Gershwin's protégé Ann Ronell (1905-1993) who was one of the first major female songwriters in Hollywood. Gershwin and Ronell became friends after she interviewed him for a Radcliffe College publication, and the composer hired her to be a rehearsal pianist for his show, Rosalie. Gershwin, who changed the spelling of his surname from Gershwine when he became a professional musician, encouraged Ronell to do the same, which she did from her birth name of Rosenblatt. Ronell went on to gain fame for her songwriting, most notably for "Willow Weep For Me," which she dedicated to Gershwin, and "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" She was nominated for an Oscar for her score from The Story of G.I. Joe (1945). A very nice copy of a book which is tough to find in nice condition, and with a direct link to Gershwin's circle in Hollywood. . 4to, 252, [1]pp. Title in two colors, with photos, facsimiles, illustrations throughout. Inscribed by Victor Orsatti to Ann Ronell on the ffep and with Lester Cowan's (Ronell's husband and film producer) label below the inscription. Publisher's red and yellow cloth boards in jacket. Mild rubbing at spine ends and along upper joint, jacket with edge wear, some toning, and a couple stains to rear panel. Very good+.

Seller Inventory # 9879

Bibliographic Details

• Title: George Gershwin [Ann Ronell's Copy]
• Publisher: Longmans, Green & Co, New York
• Publication Date: 1938
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First edition.
• Dust Jacket Condition: dj
• Signed: Signed
• Seller catalogs:
  • Fine Press
  • Music and Performing Arts