Books

New York: The Viking Press, 1957. First edition of Steinbeck's only political satire. unrevised proof copy, signed presentation inscription from the author "Dear Elsie Clough: This book was ghost written in the truest sense of the world. An imp crept down my arm and played in the ink. Don't turn me in please Yours John Steinbeck." on front inner wrapper, 2 autograph corrections to the labels including the publication date corrected from March to April, and the price corrected from $2.95 to $3.00, original spiral-bound wrappers, some snapped, edges toned and creased, a little marked, tall 8vo, [1957]. A true unrevised copy (the title character's name is spelled "Peppen" on p.1.) Elsie Clough ran The Book Shop in Providence, Rhode Island from 1922 to 1963 (her last day of business was November 22). Steinbeck may have been rewarding Clough and other booksellers for years of supporting his work: another copy of the unrevised proof of Pippen is inscribed to Cleveland booksellers Bob…

A comic satire detailing the fictional story of Pippin IV of France and the political and romantic machinations of his reign.