Ernest Hemingway

Incomparably rare First Edition of the coveted 1932 Grosset & Dunlap imprint of Ernest Hemingway’s classic “A Farewell to Arms,” signed by the author on the half title page, without inscription. In custom embossed clamshell case.

Grosset & Dunlap, New York: 1929 [1932]. Hanneman A8f. Hardcover. First Edition of the coveted 1932 Grosset & Dunlap imprint, originally published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in November 1929. Book Fine. Original Dust Jacket Very Good with spine sunned but still readable. Book is bright red textured cloth with gloss black stamping on front cover and spine. Cover, spine, and pages are square and tight, with the top black edges still strong and dark. First Photoplay edition, with inside covers and first endpapers depicting scenes from the 1932 film, featured as “A Paramount Production with Helen Hayes and Gary Cooper.” When the film was released, Hemingway—who was not a fan of the production—sent his editor, Max Perkins, a statement of his displeasure for public release.

Founded in 1898, the esteemed publishing house Grosset & Dunlap was historically known for its Photoplay editions and juvenile series books such as the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, among others, along with their highly-selective adult literature reprints from approximately 1925 to 1945. They were known for choosing interesting works by respected authors, used high quality materials, and manufactured well-constructed, attractive books, and dust jackets that wore remarkably well and have stood the test of time. Indeed, Grosset & Dunlap often produced a more solid and attractive reprint edition than the original books published by the more traditional houses. Perhaps best known to collectors for their Photoplay Editions (books on which later films were based and containing scenes from the film or “photo play”), Grosset & Dunlap editions are highly sought out by collectors for the desirable association material each book contained.