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The Greatest Gift. by Philip Van Doren STERN

Creator: Philip Van Doren STERN
Offered by: Shapero Gallery

Description
STERN, Philip Van Doren.

The Greatest Gift.
A Christmas Tale.

Stock Code 106663
New York, Privately printed for the author, 1943

Current price$20,034.00
It is, indeed, a wonderful life. The story goes, Van Doren Stern was in a New York department store, waiting in line to pay for some Christmas presents, when the story of The Greatest Gift came to him complete and all at once. He went home, wrote it up and had 200 copies printed for use as his Christmas card for 1943. It was noticed and subsequently issued commercially the year after. Its fame, however is due to the film that was made, based upon this story. The film was, of course, It's A Wonderful Life.

Truly one of the scarcest filmed books and a classic piece of modern Americana.

First edition, sole printing; one of 200 signed copies privately printed for the author and distributed by him as a Christmas card; presentation copy inscribed by the author; 8vo; single gathering, wire stitched into the original tan wrappers, cream paper title label to front wrapper printed in black. Tiny loss at one corner, light crease to another, professionally repaired at fold. A very decent copy of a rare and vulnerable book.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Period:	1920-1949
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Modern
Dealer Reference #:	106663
Incollect Reference #:	746217

Message from Seller:

Shapero Gallery Located in the heart of Mayfair, London, Shapero Gallery specializes in prints and original works on paper, ranging from antique prints to modern pochoir plates and photography. For inquiries, contact us at +44.207.493.0876 or gallery@shapero.com.