The Portrait of Mr. O. W. by Devoe, Alan - 1930

New York: The Union Square Bookshop, 1930. A RARE book, especially so SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY AUTHOR. Copy number 9 of a limited edition of 275 copies. SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY AUTHOR on front end page -" 'the only difference between a caprice & a lifelong passion is that the caprice lasts a little longer.' (From the Picture of Dorian Gray) And this book is accordingly inscribed for Jerry Allen --- in token of a caprice Alan Devoe March 31st, 1930". Decorative bookplate of Montgomery Evans II ( by Sidney H. Sime) on front pastedown, below which is an inscription by Evans in pencil that reads -" This is Alan Devoe's first book for which he paid. It is a masterpiece in miniature. The inscription might easily be mistaken for the handwriting of Oscar Wilde." The inscription continues on rear pastedown - "from Mitchell Kennerley, whose comment appears M.E." and then -" I enjoyed this book in Greenwich in May 1950. I wonder whether the original recipient or M.K. placed the maple leaf between its leaves". Said maple leaf is still to be found, laid in between pages 10-11 ! Montgomery Evans II was a noted book collector, writer, and friend of literary figures. Mitchell Kennerley was a highly regarded publisher and a co-founder of Parke-Bernet Galleries. The book is Very Good, gilt titles at spine dulled, cloth rubbed and torn at spine tips. A wonderful literary Association Copy of a RARE book. . SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY AUTHOR. Limited and Numbered First Edition. Cloth. Very Good/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Association Copy.