DARK PASSAGE - INSCRIBED TO JERRY WALD by Goodis, David - 1946

New York: Julian Messner, Inc, 1946. First Edition. The author's second hardcover book, and the one that propelled him to fame and success. Wald's own copy, clearly consulted prior to and during the filming of Dark Passage. Wald would have a hand in producing some of the most recognizable noirs and crime dramas from the period, including Background To Danger, Mildred Pierce, Key Largo, Flamingo Road, They Drive By Night, and The Harder They Fall, among others. Books inscribed by Goodis are rare; we know of but a handful that have surfaced in the market over the last 12 years. Only the second presentation copy of Dark Passage we have seen - the other, identically inscribed on the same date, was given to Jack L. Warner. A superb association. The Dark Page, Vol.1, p.114-115; Hubin, p.173. First Printing. Octavo (19.25cm); black cloth, with titles stamped in gilt on spine; red topstain; dustjacket; 248pp. Presentation copy, inscribed by the Goodis in the year of publication to Jerry Wald on the front endpaper: "October 17, 1946 / To Jerry Wald - With all of my best - Dave Goodis." This copy also bears several marked passages and brief marginal notations by Wald to 15 pages (in pencil, pp.11, 23, 27-31, 101-102, 107, 123, 125, 131, 160, 168). Topstain slightly faded, with some faint rippling to cloth, else very Near Fine, without the usual flaking to the spine gilt. Dustjacket is unclipped (priced $2.00), gently spine-sunned, with some trivial wear to extremities and a shallow chip at crown (not affecting lettering); Very Good+. Basis for the 1947 film noir directed by Delmer Daves, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.