Bernard Shaw: Playboy and Prophet (2-Volume Limited Signed Set)

New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1932. This exceedingly rare edition was limited to only fifty sets, signed and numbered by the author, Archibald Henderson. This two-volume set is Number 23 and precedes the first trade edition. Archibald Henderson was a close friend and companion of George Bernard Shaw for more than 29 years when this mammoth 1932 biography was published. The biography was authorized by Shaw, who carefully went over the manuscript. Indeed, this is probably the most complete and accurate representation of all aspects of Shaw's life, art, politics, and philosophy published before or since. It includes 120 rare illustrations, from photographs and caricatures of Shaw, from photographs of friends, actors in his plays, playbills, programs, set designs, fellow Fabians, etc. The volumes have beige cloth spines, with gray pastedown lables with gilt lettering, and matching gray boards. The books have top-edge gilt and rough-cut pages. The spines show some light age discoloration, and there is some discoloration on the boards The pastedown label for Volume One has a tiny corner missing that does not affect the titles. Both volumes are tightly bound, with excellent hinges. The text pages are clean. There are no inscriptions from former owners. Each volume measures 6 1/2 by 9 1/4 inches. There is a total of 872 pages, with an extensive Index. Shipping costs will be adjusted for two volumes. See photo.. Signed by Author. Limited. Hard Cover. Very Good/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Chap Book.