The Gibson Upright

New York: Doubleday, Page and Co., 1919. True 1st hardcover edition, preceeding the 1st trade edition. First serialized in the Saturday Evening Post and the Plumber's Trade Journal, then published in wrappers as an advertisement for the Eastman Kodak Company, and in this hardcover book form, which has several differences in the dustjacket from the trade edition. The spine of the dj is absent a price, and has the publishers logo instead. The front panel has a different description of the book-"A play for all people who work- employers and employees. Is Bolshevism coming into American industry? A timely satire by these keenly observant American writers upon the labor situation, with much occasion for laughter but more occasion for thought." The flaps and the back panel list no prices for the books advertised. And the rear panel has a quote by William Dean Howells instead of the line "And a complete library itself". Boards lightly discolored at bottom edge, consistent with the work of insects. Very Good dustjacket has a 4" closed tear at the spine fold and small chips at head and heel of spine and at the tips. Flaps are tapered at corners, with no price present. An attractive, clean copy of this rare variant issue of this scarce play. Period bookseller's letter laid in- from Charles McLean, Bookseller, Dayton OH- dated Mar. 4 (no year) and states: "Dear Jim; This could well be renamed 'Reuther and the General Motors Corp.' I promised you this for many months, you can relax and get a chuckle or two.". First Edition. Cloth. Near Fine/Very Good.