Description:

Excellent signed book:"Porgy and Bess. An Opera in Three Acts" by George Gershwin. Libretto by DuBose Heyward. Lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin. Production Directed by Rouben Mamoulian" (New York: Random House), 1935. Folio, original full red morocco, raised bands, original black leather labels on front cover and spine, one label scuffed, top edge gilt. Housed in the original linen-covered slipcase, a bit worn and scuffed. Deluxe limited edition of the piano and vocal score of Porgy and Bess, number 154 of only 250 copies boldly signed by GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN, DUBOSE HEYWARD and director ROUBEN MAMOULIAN on the (rear) limitation page. Spine a bit worn and slightly soiled with one of the raised hubs abraded, woven straw-covered slipcase also worn in a few places, esp. along top and spine, still an entirely presentable copy of this rare and most desirable signed book. Gershwin based his only opera on DuBose Heyward's novel"Porgy," and Heyward wrote the libretto to this opera as well. In the summer of 1934, Gershwin immersed himself in the black culture of Folly Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, where he came to learn the folk songs, spirituals, and dialects of the locals. Combining these elements with jazz and"Tin Pan Alley" into an operatic framework, Gershwin created a masterpiece. This work was published the year"Porgy and Bess" premiered, and the opera and subsequent film went on to make music history.

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April 1, 2020 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000