THE FOUNTAINHEAD (INSCRIBED FIRST EDITION)

Indianapolis And New York: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1943.

(Item #180) THE FOUNTAINHEAD (INSCRIBED FIRST EDITION). Ayn Rand.

THE FOUNTAINHEAD (INSCRIBED FIRST EDITION)

Indianapolis And New York: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1943. First Edition. Hardcover. True first issue boards (red cloth) in first issue jacket with other Bobbs-Merrill titles on rear panel. Inscribed by Rand in the year of publication on front free end paper: "To Mr. Leon R. Clausen | from the author, with the | compliments and best wishes | of John C. Gall | Ayn Rand | June 30, 1943." Mr. Clausen was President of J. I. Case (now CNH Global N. V. ) from 1924 to 1948 and likely was presented this book by Rand's lawyer, John C. Gall. Book in Near Fine condition has requisite "First Edition" statement and bright gilt on the boards and spine. Top stain a little faded and with a few imperfections. Corners gently rounded and a little discoloration to end papers. Overall the book is square, tight and appears unread, without any previous ownership markings beyond Rand's inscription. Dust jacket is Very Good, without any restoration, amateur or professional. Spine heavily sunned as is common, some creasing, tears and chips, particularly at the spine. Correct rear panel with list of "Bobbs-Merrill Books" has some water damage, which goes through to rear board and creates a faint red stain on the rear panel, but mostly noticed when looking at verso of the jacket. Despite the defects, one of the nicest copies of this book in jacket that we have handled and incredibly scarce to find in this unrestored, complete condition. Initially rejected by twelve publishers, this book gradually found its audience and became one of the high spots of American literature. Just 7500 copies were initially printed in the red cloth and first issue jacket released in May of 1943. Setting this copy further apart is the early inscription from Rand, on behalf of her lawyer to a prominent Midwestern industrialist. Housed in a custom, full-leather clamshell case. Additional photos available upon request. Near Fine in Very Good dust jacket. (Item #180)

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