Gone with the Wind [Signed First Printing] Hardcover - 1936

New York: The Macmillan Company, 1936. Beautifully signed by Margaret Mitchell in blue with steel-tip fountain pen at front endpaper: "Margaret Mitchell". Rarity approaching 90 years in existence. This signed first edition, first printing, the May 1936 printing, is ultra-rare as are any of her signed books or other items. In a letter dated February, 1937, Margaret Mitchell wrote that she would no longer sign her book, nevermore for friends or even relatives. Butternut (greyish brown) full cloth boards, navy stamped cover and spine titles, clean with moderate corner, edge wear; few small holes to back exterior hinge. Deckled pages generally very good with attractive toning; varying mostly moderate fox at front endpapers to page twenty-four and last two pages & back endpapers. Bind intact, square; back hinge reinforced. Recased measuring 6" x 8 5/8". Includes beautiful facsimile dust wrapper of this original first printing - protected in new clear sleeve. Very attractive. Rare signed first printing preserved in fine matching facsimile wrapper. Stylish antiquarian signature above Margaret Mitchell's at front endpaper: "Fern Snider Smeeton". Interestingly, the signee Fern Snider married Herbert Smeeton in Knox County, Tennessee on January 6, 1935; little over a year prior to this first edition being published. She likely signed her name prior to Mitchell, but regardless appears the norm that Margaret Mitchell signed to the front blank endpaper. Unparalleled drama, action and romance flower within the breathtaking wonders of this inspired spectacle of the written word and the most magnificently, exciting love story, ever! There were over one hundred printings of the first edition. Only 10,000 copies were produced of this true first printing in May, 1936. The subsequent June printing sold 50,000 copies on its first day, and two million after a year. Even though it is 1,037 pages long, readers all over the world snatched up the book; by 1937 it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the film rights had been sold to David O. Selznick. Mitchell prided herself on the historical accuracy of her work; and it is a sweeping account of how the Civil War tore apart an entire way of life. The stirring drama of the War Between the States and Reconstruction is brought vividly to life in this magnificent novel. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara remain two of the most enduring characters in American fiction. Insured post.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hardcover. Good/Fine. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall. Book.