Signed book: A Farewell to Arms. First edition, first printing. NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1929. Hardcover, 5.5 x 7.5, 355 pages. Signed on the first free end page in blue ballpoint with a quote from William Shakespeare's Henry IV, "'I care not; a man can die but once; we owe God a death and let it go which way it will, he that dies this year is quiet for the next.' Well, well, well, Mr. Shakespeare and how did your women die Mr. Shakespeare? Nicely I hope, E. Hemingway." Autographic condition: very good to fine, with a block of toning to the left half of the signed page, and a small repaired tear to the right edge. Book condition: VG/None, with a slightly loose front hinge, light wear to the gold title labels, and a bit of scuffing and rubbing to boards. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made slipcase with a quarter leather binding. A marvelous presentation copy of Hemingway's classic work, which has drawn comparisons to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Just as many of Shakespeare's tragic heroines—Juliet, Ophelia, Desdemona—met tragic fates, so does Hemingway's Catherine Barkley, whose sad death closes A Farewell to Arms. A truly spectacular example.
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