A Treasury of Grand Opera by Henry W. Simon, editor - 1946

New York: Simon & Schuster, 1946. FIRST EDITION THUS, FIRST PRINTING THUS. Slipcased. FINE/VERY GOOD. Illustrated by Rafaello Busoni. HATFIELD BOOKS AND MEMORABILIA, a FIVE STAR SELLER, presents A TREASURY OF GRAND OPERA (edited by HENRY W SIMON), in its Very Good ORIGINAL DECORATED SLIPCASE. A short history and story of each opera accompanies the piano vocal score of selected famous arias from DON GIOVANNI, LOHENGRIN, LA TRAVIATA, FAUST, AIDA, CARMEN and PAGLIACCI. Piano arrangements are by Albert Sirmay, translations by George Mead, while the music supervisor is William Steinberg. Editor Henry W. Simon was a prominent New York music critic for many years. Illustrator RAFAELO BUSONI(the son of famous composer and pianist Ferruccio Busoni) fled WWII persecution by emigrating to New York, subsequently illustrating dozens of books and musical scores. 9" x 11 7/8", 403 page softcover (oversized, may require additional postage). Overall book is FINE, with a VERY GOOD ORIGINAL SLIPCASE. Pages = Fine: slightly yellowed, else very tight, sharp, clear, with no marks, no tears, no chipping. Cover (Yellow with gold frame, in which are superimposed lively illustrations from the 7 operas; particulars in gold gilt and white over black boxes) = Fine: light rubbing to top of spine, one crease on spine, else very tight, sharp, square, standout colorful and clear, with no marks, chips or tears. ORIGINAL SLIPCASE ( green heavy cardboard with paste on full space replica of decorated cover) = Very Good: moderately faded, 3/4" tear at bottom front corner, large chip from green outer layer on top of spine, else clear, square and substantial. This FIRST EDITION is A TRUE COLLECTOR'S ITEM!