Folio. Original hard-grained red morocco, top edge gilt; cloth folding case.

LIMITED EDITION, number 241 of 250 copies of the Deluxe edition, SIGNED BY GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN, DuBOSE HEYWARD, and ROUBEN MAMOULIAN. Porgy and Bess was adapted from DuBose Heyward's 1925 novel Porgy and was first performed in Boston on September 30, 1935 under the direction of Rouben Mamoulian. The play was controversial upon its debut for its all African-American cast and the clause in Gershwin's contract stipulating that there would be no performances featuring white performers in blackface; later the play would become controversial for its depictions of early 20th century African-American communities. Fuld 539.