Only the Best. A Celebration of Gift Giving in America (ISBN: 0810914832 / 0-8109-1483-2)

New York: Abrams, 1985. First Edition. Signed presentation copy inscribed by the author Stuart Jacobson to the great film director Billy Wilder and his wife, the actress Audrey Young, whom he met on the set at Paramount during the filming of Wilder’s film ‘The Lost Weekend.’ Inscribed: “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wilder, I just want to thank you for your wonderful contribution to Only the Best. I hope you are pleased and that you enjoy this gift. Only the Best Always, Stuart Jacobson, October 1, 1985.” Laid in is a typed letter signed from Stuart Jacobson on his personal printed stationery to the Wilders, dated September 27, 1985, and reads: “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wilder, Once again, thank you for your wonderful contribution to Only the Best. I hope you are pleased with the result. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future and hope you enjoy the book. Again, thank you for helping to make my dream a reality. Only the Best, Stuart.” With matching envelope. Small dent to the rear board and rear panel of the jacket, else a fine bright copy in a bright dust jacket. This oversize art book is a collection of examples of interesting and often unique gifts between well-known people and Jacobson’s inscription and letter refers to a section in the book (pgs. 182 - 183) which details a gift from the artist David Hockney to his friends and supporters Billy and Audrey Wilder. Hockney describes how he created an elaborate table setting for a dinner party in honor of Billy, to be held in his art studio next to a painting he had recently finished. He created painted centerpieces and place settings which reflected the colors and themes of the painting. Also present at the dinner were Christopher Isherwood, Don Bachardy, and Tony Richardson. Hockney made sure that Billy was seated facing the painting so that he could enjoy it and the table design. Billy Wilder’s legendary status in Hollywood as a director, screenwriter, and producer includes such classic films as Ninotchka, Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity, The Lost Weekend, Stalag 17, Some Like it Hot, The Seven Year Itch, The Apartment, and The Fortune Cookie. Gershe wrote the original screenplay Funny Face, and the book for the Broadway Musical Destry Rides Again. Touch of darkening to the edges, else a fine copy in a near fine bright dust jacket with one tiny tear. The basis of the 1972 film with a screenplay by Gershe, starring Edward Albert and Goldie Hawn.