Guest book owned and used by Cole Porter and his wife, Linda Porter, leather-bound hardcover stamped “Linda Porter,” 8.25 x 11.25, circa 1936–1945. The book contains approximately 260 signatures, several to a page, on fourteen single-sided and seven double-sided unlined pages. Many signers appear multiple times. Among the more prominent names: Gilbert Roland (two), Hedda Hopper, Edmund Goulding (four), Anita Loos (six), Constance Collier (three), James Stewart (two), Lewis Milestone (three), Kay Francis (three), Loretta Young, Virginia Bruce Gilbert, Merle Oberon (two), Constance Bennett (two), David Niven (four), Clifton Webb (four), George Cukor (four), Moss Hart (two), Charles Brackett (two), Irving Berlin, Mervyn LeRoy, Miriam Hopkins, Grace Moore Parera, Valentin Parera (three), Freddie Bartholomew, Douglas Fairbanks (two), Monty Wooley (adding, “All April—on and off”), and Bill Powell (three). Several of the pages also bear date (and some address) headings in Cole Porter’s hand. Accompanied by a 1967 TLS from Porter’s secretary, Madeline Smith, confirming the origin and provenance of the book. In fine condition, with just a touch of soiling and bowing to covers, and a few scattered brushes to signatures. R&R COA.
