THE CASE OF THE DUBIOUS BRIDEGROOM

NY: William Morrow, 1948. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good +/Very Good. First edition, blue covers, titles stamped in red, with Dubious Bridegroom last title on Perry Mason titles listed in rear. Inscribed on the ffe by Gardner to the legendary Marlene Dietrich with his tribute to her volunteer efforts in WWII: "To Marlene Dietrich who has given so generously of her talent to help keep us a great nation. Yours Erle Stanley Gardner March 1949". Indeed, the German-born Dietrich ( 1901-1992), after becoming an international sensation with The Blue Angel and then emigrating to Hollywood where she made hugely successful films in the 1930s, dedicated notable efforts to humanitarian causes during World War II: entertaining on tour Allied troops, housing German and French exiles, providing financial support and advocating for American citizenship for those fleeing Europe. For boosting morale on the front lines during the war, she received honors from the United States, France, Belgium and Israel, and posthumously was made an honorary citizen of Berlin in 2002. Condition is quite nice: the book appears unread, the top edge is a tad dusty, else almost near fine. The unclipped dustjacket ($2.50) has moderately worn corners and edges, most noticeably at the spine head, the white background of the rear panel and flaps is toned.