Signed book: The American Language. Later printing. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1936. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6.5 x 9.5, 769 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in fountain pen, “For James Gutman…with best wishes, H. L. Mencken, 1936.” Also includes a TLS signed with his initials, one page, 8.25 x 5.25, personal letterhead, no year. In part: “The book for Mr. Gutman has been autographed…My best thanks for the badges, and for the tract against capital punishment. But I still believe that all those scoundrels should be hanged at sight.” Book itself is in very good condition, with heavy irregular toning to signed page; dust jacket is brittle and in poor condition, with numerous tears, paper loss, and complete separations (dust jacket spine entirely detached with portions absent); TLS in fine condition. RR Auction COA.
