Books

Beautifully signed by Margaret Mitchell with what appears to be steel-tipped pen at front endpaper: "To Jessie Norton, from, Margaret Mitchell". Rarity approaching 90 years in existence. This signed first edition, first printing, the May 1936 printing, is ultra-rare as are any of her signed books or other items. In a letter dated February, 1937, Margaret Mitchell wrote that she would no longer sign her book, nevermore for friends or even relatives. Of interesting note, and according to prior collector, Jessie Norton whom this book is inscribed, was the second wife of noted physician and researcher, Thomas D. Moore, MD of Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Moore began Graceland Dairy Farms which raised premium Hereford cattle; Moore inherited the property with his first wife from her aunt, Grace Toof. The estate was sold in the 1950s to "The King," Elvis Presley and became a part of his legendary "Graceland." From Tupelo shotgun shack to heavenly Memphis. Butternut (greyish brown) full cloth boards, navy stamped cover and spine titles, moderate shelf, edge, corner, spine wear, crease. Deckled pages generally good to very good with varying mostly moderate discoloration to first and last few pages; final two printed leaves with minor bio-predation from the infamous bookworm. Several relevant GWTW ephemeral 1936 Atlanta and Southern news-clippings adhered to back blank endpapers; some adjacent shadowing, tanning. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Includes beautiful facsimile dust wrapper of this original first printing for preservation and presentation; protected in new clear sleeve. Very attractive. Scarce near good signed first printing - rich with character - in matching facsimile jacket. Interesting contemporaneous news-clipping of relevant poem by Cora Paxton-Stewart is adhered to front pastedown adjacent inscription. The poem is beautiful with sorrow for the fallen soldiers. But, as elucidated with a richly written novel as this, their legacy and history is remembered within the pages of this book. The American Civil War has been compared to The Illiad of Homer and the poem ends with this flourish. Unparalleled drama, action and romance flower within the breathtaking wonders of this inspired spectacle of the written word and the most magnificently, exciting love story, ever! There were over one hundred printings of the first edition. Only 10,000 copies were produced of this true first printing in May, 1936. The subsequent June printing sold 50,000 copies on its first day, and two million after a year. Even though it is 1,037 pages long, readers all over the world snatched up the book; by 1937 it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the film rights had been sold to David O. Selznick. Mitchell prided herself on the historical accuracy of her work; and it is a sweeping account of how the Civil War tore apart an entire way of life. The stirring drama of the War Between the States and Reconstruction is brought vividly to life in this magnificent novel. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara remain two of the most enduring characters in American fiction. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7� - 9�" Tall.

Gone with the Wind is a novel by American writer Margaret Mitchell, first published in 1936. The story is set in Clayton County and Atlanta, both in Georgia, during the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era. It depicts the struggles of young Scarlett O'Hara, the spoiled daughter of a well-to-do plantation owner, who must use every means at her disposal to come out of the poverty she finds herself in after Sherman's March to the Sea.