Description:

John Steinbeck
n.p., n.d.
John Steinbeck Signed Presentation Copy of "The Pearl," With Lengthy Inscription to his Typist
Signed book

John Steinbeck (1902-1968). A signed presentation copy of "The Pearl," playfully inscribed to his typist Mary Morgan. New York: Viking Press, 1958, later printing. Book runs 122 pages and measures 5.5" x 8.25". Bound in terracotta boards with gilt titling and black illustration. Housed in original dust jacket showing $2.75 price at front flap, with a glossy black and white photograph of Steinbeck adhered to rear flap. Jacket is in fair condition with soiling, dampstaining, and chipping. Book is near fine, with corner bumping, minor shelf wear, and light toning to interior.

Steinbeck pens a very humorous and flirtatious inscription to Morgan, suggesting a certain intimacy. Signed on the front free endpaper in fountain pen, inscription reads in full:

"For Mary Morgan, who, to quote an authority is 'delightful, brilliant, gorgeous, talented, etc, etc.' I have tested this product and certify that the claims made for it are accurate. The understatement is undoubtedly due to the shy and maidenly modesty of the subject. I suggest that she is also gurglific, teneflied, protogarlion, and squip. John Steinbeck." He then adds an initialed postscript: "and pretty, too, J.S."

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 8.25"
  • Medium: Signed book

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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