I have been in the rare and antiquarian book business for over forty years; my family has been in the rare books business since 1876. Rare books are in my blood.
George Gershwin's Song Book
New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1932. Item #06670
The Gershwin–Bricusse Connection Begins: A Foundational Association
With Autograph Letter Signed from Ira Gershwin, 1968
[GERSHWIN, George]. George Gershwin’s Song Book. Illustrated by Constantin Alajalov. New York: Random House, 1932.
First trade edition. Folio (12 5/8 x 9 1/2 inches; 321 x 241 mm.). xi, [1, blank], [1–3], 4–167, [1, blank] pp. Illustrated throughout with Alajalov’s striking Art Deco designs. Publisher’s quarter orange cloth over tan buckram boards, lettered in blue, original glassine jacket. Spine slightly faded, otherwise near fine - a handsome example of one of the great American songbooks of the 20th century.
Loosely inserted is a fine autograph letter signed (ALS) from Ira Gershwin to Leslie Bricusse, dated November 4, 1968, on his Beverly Hills stationery:
“Dear Leslie,
Thank you for asking. I’m really flattered.
Although I’m bothered by sciatica these days, there are afternoons when I’m in pretty good shape.
Would love to see you, so do phone me soon some afternoon (excuse internal rhyme) and come by.
The telephone # is 271-2824.
O.K.? And kindest regards,
Ira”
A warm, informal, and characteristically witty note (with its self-aware “internal rhyme”), clearly marking the early stages of a personal relationship between Gershwin and Bricusse.
George Gershwin’s Song Book (1932) is among the most celebrated American music publications of its era, presenting Gershwin’s works in piano arrangements alongside Alajalov’s sophisticated Art Deco illustrations. It stands as a landmark synthesis of music, design, and modern American culture.
Price: $950.00