The Devil's Stocking

Foreword by Herbert Mitgang. 8vo. Stiff orange printed wrappers. (10pp), 283pp. Near fine. Pristine uncorrected proof copy of the novelist's posthumous last novel, a volume in this publisher's "Library of Contemporary Americana" series. This unusual copy wears an oversize (small 4to, 5/8" taller than proof copy's trim size) glossy heavy stock wraparound proof copy showing the printed front wrapper. Very good. Laid in is an Autograph Note Signed from foreword writer Herbert Mitgang: 1p, 8½" X 7", New York, NY, n.y. Addressed to Arnold Gates (1914-93, noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Near fine. On "New York Times" letterhead, Mitgang chats with an old friend. In part: "Thanks for your fine letter. Your book sounds intriguing -- look forward to it when published." Boldly penned in blue ballpoint and signed at the close. In original envelope addressed and signed again by Mitgang, postally cancelled on 7 April 1982. Mitgang (1920-2013) was a noted writer, playwright, television producer and long-time "New York Times" editor; he had reviewed Algren's workprior to this book in his capacity as a journalist.…