WILLIAMS, TENNESSEE

The Rose Tattoo

New York: New Directions, 1951. First Edition; presumed first issue binding. Nearly fine in a very good dust jacket with a small chip at the bottom corner of the front panel. An exceptional association copy, inscribed by the author, “Dear Claudia [Cassidy] - To you who first made it bloom! Con amore! Tennessee. (see top of page #141 - she lights the candle!” Williams was referring to the remarkable service rendered by Cassidy as a Chicago theater critic in successfully promoting his career with her praise and support of 1944’s The Glass Menagerie. The play, despite good buzz in the theater world, suffered poor attendance and was in danger of sinking, taking the playwright’s career with it. Cassidy and another local critic were unstinting in their enthusiasm (Cassidy was not famous for positivity) and instrumental in ensuring the play’s and playwright’s future. All books described as first editions are first printings unless otherwise noted.

[Book #1886]

Price: $3,750.00