1931 Peacock's Feather George S Hellman Signed Presentation Copy Limited Edition

This is a presentation copy of Peacock's Feather by George S. Hellman, published in 1931 by The Bobbs-Merrill Company of Indianapolis. This is the special Autographed Edition, limited to only 249 copies, of which this is number 154, individually signed by the author.

What makes this copy especially interesting is the personal presentation inscription written by George S. Hellman on the limitation page:

"For En'r Goldberg
Devotee and creator of beauty,
from George S. Hellman
Jan. 1935."

Further down the same page appears another handwritten inscription:

"But above all, Generosity and Courage. They are the highest wisdom."

The book is beautifully produced, with an exceptionally striking decorative binding featuring a repeating Art Deco fan or peacock-feather motif in brilliant blue, green, black and gold, complemented by a gilt-lettered cream-coloured spine. The gold-patterned endpapers add considerably to the luxurious appearance of this limited edition.

The book also features a colour frontispiece by American artist Virginia Berresford, captioned Atossa the Sorceress Appears Before Æsop.

Peacock's Feather is an imaginative work inspired by Æsop and the ancient world, divided into seven parts bearing the names of familiar fables: The Wolves and the Sheep, The Fowler and the Ring-Dove, The Frogs Desiring a King, The Old Man and His Sons, The Lion and the Mouse, The Oak and the Reed, and The Husbandman and the Asses.

A particularly attractive and uncommon association copy, combining a signed limited edition with a personal presentation inscription, an additional handwritten quotation, fine typography, deckled page edges and a superb Art Deco binding.

Author: George S. Hellman
Title: Peacock's Feather
Publisher: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis
Date: 1931
Edition: Autographed limited edition, one of 249 copies
Copy number: 154
Signed: Yes, on the limitation page, with an additional presentation inscription dated January 1935
Pages: 351

Measurements:
Height: 8 7/8 inches
Width: 6 1/8 inches

Condition: Near Fine. The book remains remarkably clean and attractive for its age. There is some soiling to the lower portion of the spine, a crack to the front endleafs at the binding, and a smudge on the copyright page. Otherwise, the pages and binding are very clean and well preserved. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed view of condition.

This is an unusually appealing copy for collectors of signed and inscribed books, American literature, fine press and limited editions, or Art Deco book design.

Etsy tags:
peacocks feather, george s hellman, signed first edition, presentation copy, inscribed book, limited edition, art deco book, rare book, 1931 book, collectible book, fine binding, signed book, bobbs merrill