THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE DAMNED by F. SCOTT FITZGERALD - 1922

THE BEAUTIFUL AND DAMNED, 1922. First edition, second printing in second printing dust jacket, inscribed by F. Scott Fitzgerald to Henry Kingsley -- aka, Charles Kingsley, Scribners' representative in London, England.

Charles Kingsley was asked by Scribners to take over their London office right after the First WW in 1919. He moved to London with his family, and they rented a house in Richmond, known as the Old Palace. It was actually the gatehouse on Richmond Green and what little remains of a palace built by Henry the Vlll. And therefore, Fitzgerald's playful use of the name "Henry" being substituted for "Charles" in this inscription.

The inscription intended to commemorate Fitzgerald's afternoon with Charles Kingsley; and Fitzgerald requested for an advance for his trip out of Richmond. (Reference: descendent of Charles Kingsley from whom this book was acquired.) Humorous and personal inscription with scarce Fitzgerald drawn figural (automobile). Actually meeting between Fitzgerald and Kingsley, where this book was inscribed, detailed by Prof. Matthew Bruccoli.

Original second state dust jacket is very lightly sunned on the spine; chipped on head and toe; as well as chipped on front and back panels. The dust jacket was married to this book; however, it is a highly appropriate match as the light sunning on the jacket matches that of the spine on the book, as well as much of the rest of the condition on both jacket and book. Both front and back panels are in very good condition, as are the inside flaps. Provenance for this inscription and signature is available.

Superb F. SCOTT FITZGERALD first edition, association copy inscribed (with provenance) and in original second printing dust jacket (title is printed in black instead of white on front dust jacket panel).