First edition of this novel-slash-travelogue, the story of a husband and wife drifting apart during a European grand tour – adapted into an Oscar-nominated film in 1936.
Near fine in very good plus restored dust jacket.
Price: $800.00
"Ah, if she desired Europe, he would master it, and give it to her on a platter of polished gold!"
Sinclair Lewis penned DODSWORTH around the midway point of his career, when his literary prowess was at its peak. With satirical notes and a disapproving view of the "typical American wife" who "thinks she is far above the dull business-like mind of her husband," a contemporary review in THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE praised Lewis for "mak[ing] you feel that the author really knows" Fran, the divorce-happy woman protagonist (14). Lewis had separated from his wife Grace in 1925, suggesting a potentially more complicated inspiration for the work; the year DODSWORTH was published, he formally divorced Grace and married his second wife Dorothy, to whom the book is dedicated. A Broadway play version of the novel in 1934 was followed by a Hollywood adaptation in 1936, both starring Walter Huston. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
Read more: Fanny Butcher, "Sinclair Lewis Gently Chides 'Perfect Wife'," The Chicago Tribune 16 March 1929.
New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company, (1929). 7.5'' x 5.25''. Original blue cloth stamped in orange. In original light orange typographic dust jacket (price at bottom of front flap, $2.50, no reviews on front flap). Fore-edge machine deckle. "Published, March, 1929" on copyright page. [6], 377, [1] pages. Evidence of bookplate removal on front fly leaf, and just a bit of bumping to boards. Jacket with expert restoration to spine and extremities. Orange of panels still bright.
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