Description
Signed first edition of Man of Two Worlds: The Novel of a Stranger by Ainsworth Morgan, from the personal collection of actor Francis Lederer.
Octavo, 319pp. Finely bound in green morocco, gilt trim. Five raised bands, title in gilt on spine. Top edge gilt, with gilt turn-ins and marbled endpapers. “Francis Lederer” is stamped in gilt on front cover. Publisher’s dust jacket cover bound in at rear. Stated “First Edition” on copyright page. Solid text block, sunning along edges and spine. Light wear to hinges. A very good example.
This is an association copy from the author to Francis Lederer, with an inscription on the half-title: “To Francis Lederer, With thanks and gratitude for having brought Aigo so brilliantly to life. ‘Berakis!’ Sincerely, Ainsworth Morgan / ‘Jack’ to you! / Nov. 14th, 1933.”
Additional signature of the screenwriter, Howard J. Green, on the title page. Includes two leaves pasted in at front with names and signatures of the cast and crew of the 1934 film, including Elissa Landi, Henri Stephenson and director, J. Walter Ruben.
Man of Two Worlds was adapted into a film of the same name in 1934, starring Francis Lederer as the lead character, Aigo. Although the movie was not a commercial success, Lederer went on to star in many works on stage and on screen. His filmography includes The Man I Married (1940), The Return of Dracula (1958), The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1944), and Terror is a Man (1959).
