TARKINGTON, Booth (1869-1946)

[Princeton] The Gentleman from Indiana [Inscribed Association copy]

New York: Doubleday & McClure, 1899. First Edition. Hardcover. First Printing of the author's first novel, inscribed on fly-leaf: "'Well the old Triangle knew the music of our Tread, / How the peaceful Seminole would tremble / in his bed. / Newton Booth Tarkington." First State of text (with correct points on pp. 245, 291, and 342) "probable" later state binding (see discussion in Russo & Sullivan) with ear of corn on spine pointing down. Crown 8vo (200 x 128mm): viii,[2]384pp. Publisher's green mesh cloth, spine and front cover lettered and decorated in gold and scarlet, top edge stained dark green, others untrimmed, manuscript ex-libris (apparently of a family member) in elegant script on front paste-down: W. S. R. Tarkington / Christmas 1900 [overwritten on "1899"]. Spine slightly darkened, extremities lightly rubbed, but Near Fine or better. Russo & Sullivan, pp. 3-6. Johnson (High Spots), p. 71 ("Politics and love in a growing mid-west town of the pre-Babbit era when moonlight still created glamour."). Seybolt, p. 68. First Fruits, p. 22. Wright 5369. Fine. Item #BB2258

Probably inscribed to a friend from Tarkington's Princeton days, since these are the lyrics to the Princeton Triangle Club's song, an amateur musical comedy troupe named after the percussion instrument. ("Seminole" refers to seminary students.) As president of the Princeton Dramatic Association, Tarkington wrote a musical parody of Julius Caesar that became the group's first production after its name changed to Triangle Club. He also started a campaign to raise money for the construction of a building to house the club. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $574.00