Description:

David Belasco
n.p., May 22, 1930
David Belasco Signed Copy of Fred Melville's "Chats on Postage Stamps"
Signed book
A copy of Frederick J. Melville's "Chats on Postage Stamps," signed and inscribed on the front free endpaper by David Belasco as "To my little friend, David, may he grow up to be as fine a man as his father. Affectionately, David Belasco May 22 - 1930." London: T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd., 1925. Third impression; first published in 1911. 362pp, 5.5" x 8". With frontispiece portrait of Sir Rowland Hill and 74 illustrations. Black cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering to spine. Shelf wear, corner bumping and light scuffing to the boards. Minor fraying at head of spine. Toning to text block and inner pages. Gentle cracking to hinges. Staining from adhesive at endpapers. Original dustjacket is present but has completely separated from spine at both covers and exhibits marked browning. Book is in good condition and is very boldly signed.

David Belasco (1853-1931) was an American theatrical producer, impresario, director, and playwright. He was the first writer to adapt the short story Madame Butterfly for the stage. He launched the theatrical career of many actors, including James O'Neill, Mary Pickford, Lenore Ulric, and Barbara Stanwyck. Belasco pioneered many innovative new forms of stage lighting and special effects in order to create realism and naturalism, and is regarded today as "one of the first significant directorial figures in the history of the American theatre."

Frederick John Melville (1882-1940) was a British philatelist, prolific philatelic author and founder of The Junior Philatelic Society. Melville is a member of the American Philatelic Society's Hall of Fame and was a signatory to The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists in 1921.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.5" x 8"
  • Medium: Signed book

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