George Gershwin, Boldly Signed And Inscribed 1st Edition Song Book

A signed edition of "George Gershwin's Song Book". New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1932. 1st Edition, quarto, xi, 167pp. A total of eighteen songs with stunning Illustrations by Alajalov. Inscribed by Gershwin on the front free end page: "To Heléne Weil. My best wishes, George Gershwin Nov. 14, 1932." With a frontispiece photograph of Gershwin playing the piano taken by Maurice Goldberg. Two-toned brown cloth binding. Accompanied by pieces of the original dustjacket - including the front, back, and inside front and back flaps. A beautiful edition by the talented artist. The volume has a cracked spine, scratching, wear, and minor dampstaining to the covers. Light toning to the internal pages. The dustjacket pieces are creased from folding and have chipping, tears, and toning. Gershwin's signature is bold and attractive.

This volume previously belonged to Tim Teran's grandmother, Heléne Weil, who later became Heléne Montgomery-Moore, the wife of Major Cecil Montgomery-Moore. Cecil was a noted RAF pursuit pilot who served in the First World War. Heléne had been living in Manhattan on Park Avenue with her previous husband, Lester Weil when she received this book of songs directly from George Gershwin. Both she and her husband loved music and American Theaters, and both were particularly fond of Gershwin's work. Her favorite song of his was "A Foggy Day in London Town", which she would frequently hum and sing during her daily life.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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