[WILDER, Thornton (1897-1975), introduction]. STEIN, Gertrude (1874-1946). Four in America. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1947.

8vo. Original brown cloth lettered in brown (slight soiling to sheet and board edges); dust jacket (some spotting and soiling). Provenance: Carl Purington and Margaret Rollins (1880-1960) American publisher (bookplate, presentation inscription, see below).

FIRST EDITION. THE PUBLISHER’S COPY. A SUPERB ASSOCIATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY WILDER TO THE PUBLISHER IN THE MONTH OF PUBLICATION: "For Margaret and Carl - Who hear all my things first and who are firsts in the affectionate thoughts of their friend Thornton New Haven October 1947." Wilder contributed the introduction to Stein’s Four in America, and Carl Rollins was the master printer at Yale University Press, who published this work by Stein. With pencil notes on the rear free endpaper, presumably in Rollins’ hand, indicating the book was read by Wilder to Carl and Margaret Rollins on 28 June 1947. Wilson A42a.

[With:] Retained carbon copy typescripts of correspondence between Alice B. Toklas (1877-1967) and Norman V. Donaldson (1891-1964), each one page, related to the publication and reception of Four in America. Donaldson mentions in his letter: "The book was designed by Carl Purington Rollins, Printer to Yale University who is one of the best known typographical experts in this country. He also designed the jacket or dust cover." Toklas and Stein were partners for over 4 decades and formed one of the most prominent literary couples in 20th-century Paris. Toklas held the copyright to Four in America, which was published after Stein’s death by the Yale University Press where Donaldson was the managing director from 1945 until he became the director in 1950. In total, 2 retained carbon copy typescripts, 2 December 1947 and 8 December 1947, relating to the publication of Stein’s Four in America. [Also laid in:] WILDER, Thornton. Retained autograph letter signed ("Thornton") to Margaret [Rollins]. Hamden, CT, 23 April [ca 1969]. 2 pages.

Fine Literature from the Collection of Richard C. McKenzie

[WILDER, Thornton (1897-1975), introduction]. STEIN, Gertrude (1874-1946). Four in America. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1947.