New York, New York: Covici Friede, 1936. Second Edition . Hardcover. Fine/Near Fine. Steinbeck's first book, published when he was just 27 years old, & his only work of historical fiction. Orig. published by Robert M. McBride in 1929, this is the first printing of the Covici Friede reissue from 1936, commonly referred to as the Second Edition, with the Second State DJ ("Of Mice and Men'' mentioned on front of DJ). From a single collector's estate, this hardcover book has rich navy cloth over boards with embossed design to front & bright gilt lettering to spine. Condition is stunningly Fine: exceptionally clean & crisp, with sharp, crisp corners. Even blue publisher's topstain. Binding straight & strong. Pages are supple, not brittle, but show moderate tanning, commensurate with age, heavier around edges; NO foxing. Former owner's name & address in faded ink inside front cover. The brilliantly colored DJ, clipped at all four flap corners, is Near Fine: virtually flawless save for a…