Description: CAIN, James M.. Serenade. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1937. FIRST EDITION PRESENTATION COPY. 1 vol., inscribed on the front blank endleaf “To Dora Einzig with love and kisses James M. Cain July 15, 1938", publisher’s original black cloth decorated in silver, original dust jacket. Minor damp stain to foot of spine not affecting the textblock, head of spine rubbed with some minor loss, fragile DJ with some modest wear, overall GOOD/GOOD. First edition of Cain's bold second novel, book and striking dust jacket designed by W. A. Dwiggins. Exploring many of the same themes as his acclaimed first novel The Postman Always Rings Twice (1934), this novel was "daring for its period in its presentation of a bisexual hero" (Encyclopedia of Literature, 196). Cain would recall, "This story goes back to my try-to-be-a-singer days... It cooked until 1937, when I went to Mexico and got it over with" (University of Maryland, Cain Collection). "A complex and bravura blend of exotica, opera and murder... Serenade was well-reviewed and remains widely admired. Some people consider it Cain's best book" (Smiley & Bell, 41). Influential book artist William Addison Dwiggins designed both the volume and its dust jacket, which on this copy is printed with red as the dominant color; no priority established. "Only rarely was Dwiggins involved with dust wrappers, and this was one of his best efforts" (Smiley & Bell, 41). Who we are - D&D Galleries was founded in 1985. We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA), the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), and the Provincial Bookfair Association of Great Britain (PBFA). So bid and buy with confidence. Our inventory (largely English language only) is slightly eclectic and ranges from the 16th through the 20th centuries with sub-specialties in S.T.C. and Wing books, Lewis Carroll, Charles Dickens, presentation and association material as well as 17th and 18th C. British history, sets and bindings. Terms - Any item(s) may be returned with 7 days for a full refund if found to be not authentic or substantially at odds with our description or pictures. Items returned must be received in the same condition and completeness as sent.
Price: 400 USD
Location: Somerville, New Jersey
End Time: 2025-02-07T21:49:53.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Binding: Hardcover
Origin: English
Special Attributes: 1st Edition, Dust Jacket, Inscribed
Topic: Literature
Year Printed: 1937
