GERSHWIN, GEORGE

Porgy and Bess. An Opera in Three Acts. Libretto by DuBose Heyward. Lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin

      New York: Random House, 1935. First Edition; deluxe issue of the piano and vocal score; number 11 of 250 numbered copies signed by both George and Ira Gershwin, Heyward, and director Rouben Mamoulian. Bound in publisher's full red morocco with the original leather labels; spine very slightly darkened; trivial wear; about fine in the original, but seldom present straw-covered slipcase (slightly frayed). With Joan Whitney's bookplate; inscribed to her by George Gershwin on the first page of the score, "For Joan - Admiration - From George G." Joan Whitney Payson, a patroness of the arts, was also one of the founding owners of the Mets. Her brother was a backer of many entertainment ventures, most prominently Gone With The Wind. It seems possible that Gershwin may have courted her support for this, or other productions. A towering and enduring achievement of American music and theater, Porgy & Bess was especially well-served by this tasteful, restrained and elegant book, which is rarely found either in such superb condition or inscribed..