Description
The first trade edition of Candide by Voltaire from Random House, inscribed and hand-numbered by the illustrator, Rockwell Kent.
Octavo, [2], 111pp, [1]. Publisher’s red cloth, title stamped in gilt on the front cover and spine. Both hinges showing wear, with archival reinforcement to both, as is common with this book. Solid text block, internally clean. In the publisher’s first state dust jacket, advertisements for other Random House imprints on the rear panel, a few scuff marks, closed tears at heel of the spine, a bright, near fine example.
This copy is inscribed by Rockwell Kent on the title page: “…especially for Marjorie Wallace! no – 15!! / Rockwell Kent / Montreal / October 1930.”
Candide was illustrated by Rockwell Kent beginning in the fall of 1927. It was the first book published by Random House. The book was produced by Pynson Printers. The book first appeared as a limited edition of 1470 numbered and signed copies in 1928. It sold out almost immediately. The following year it was released in trade editions, by the Literary Guild in 1929, and this copy from Random House in 1930. (Johnson, p. 44-46)
