About this Item
Beautifully signed by Margaret Mitchell at front endpaper: "Margaret Mitchell". Rarity now approaching ninety years in existence in the original first printing wrapper. This signed first edition, the May 1936 printing, is very rare as are any of her signed books or other items. In a letter dated February, 1937, Margaret Mitchell wrote that she would no longer sign her book, nevermore for friends or even relatives. Butternut (greyish brown) full cloth boards, navy stamped cover and spine titles, light shelf wear, rub, spine pull. Deckled pages very good, clean; no writing. Bind fine; hinges intact. Original early issue wrapper, moderate edge wear, rub, crease; clipped, protected in fine clear sleeve. Ultra-rare near fine signed first printing in good wrapper. Presented with this rare signed first printing is an amazing original brick with polished brass plate engraved with details from Loew's Grand Theatre. Includes the Certificate of Authenticity no. 2033 with notary signatures guaranteeing this brick originated from the theatre. Also, rare ephemeral folding card explaining significance of this intriguing item. Loew's was the World Premiere Site of Gone With The Wind, winner of ten academy awards including best picture. Loew's Grand Theatre, originally DeGive's Grand Opera House, was a theater from 1893-1978 at the corner of Peachtree and Forsyth Streets in downtown Atlanta, Georgia and most famous for the opening of Mitchell's classic. Many epic films premiered at the opulent theatre including Ben Hur, Doctor Zhivago, and Singin' In The Rain. About 300,000 people came out for the premiere on December 15, 1939. It was the climax of three days of festivities, which included a parade of limousines featuring stars from the film, receptions, thousands of Confederate flags and a costume ball. The governor of Georgia, declared December 15th a state holiday. The estimated three hundred thousand residents and visitors to Atlanta lined the streets for up to seven miles to watch a procession of limousines bring Vivien Leigh, Olivia de Havilland, Clark Gable and others from the airport. Finally, for enjoyment and deep edification, is a set of TV Guide and Time special commemorative issues for the film's seventy-fifth anniversary. Thick dynamic pictorial covers, moderate cover, corner wear, rub. Heavy stock coated pages. Thoroughly, nostalgically illustrated. Protected in clear sleeves. 99 and 112 pages. First published in 1936, Gone with the Wind sold 50,000 copies on its first day, and two million after a year. There were over one hundred printings of the first edition. Only 10,000 copies were produced of this true first printing in May, 1936. The subsequent June printing sold 50,000 copies on its first day, and two million after a year. Even though it is 1,037 pages long, readers all over the world snatched up the book; by 1937 it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the film rights had been sold to David O. Selznick. Mitchell prided herself on the historical accuracy of her work; and it is a sweeping account of how the Civil War tore apart an entire way of life. The stirring drama of the War Between the States and Reconstruction is brought vividly to life in this magnificent novel. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara remain two of the most enduring characters in American fiction. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall. Seller Inventory # 021807
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