Gone with the Wind [First Printing, May 1936] by Mitchell, Margaret - 1936

New York: The Macmillan Company, 1936. True frst printing in matching facsimile wrapper. Stated at copyright page: "Set up and electrotyped. Published May, 1936." Rarity over eighty years in existence. Very unique example featuring deep green buckram (cloth) boards with pictorial titles and design reproducing the bold dust wrapper titles and vignette scene of manor courtship. Spine reproduces iconic titles with vignette of monochromatic southern flag. Some corner, edge, spine wear, rub. Pages generally good with toning, moderate discoloration at edges to first and last few pages diminishing to interior; several with mended closed tears and vintage cellophane adhesive. Antiquarian pictorial unsigned bookplate inside cover of maiden leaning against windswept tree and clouds. Raised blind-stamp at title page: "Lake Forest Library, Lake Forest, Illinois"; small number written at dedication page. Bind good, square; hinges intact. Small vintage gold and silver label inside back cover: "Bound by HNM". Beautiful facsimile jacket of original first edition, first printing - protected in new clear sleeve. Very attractive. Treasured and well loved, and well worn, uniquely bound example of the ultra rare first printing in a fine facsimile wrapper. Additionally, paired with this first printing are several rare ephemeral pieces. These ephemera are laid in and include a front flap from an early printing dust wrapper. Portion of a news letter advertising this title with review by Henry Seidel Canby. Also, excerpted from Look Magazine of Dec. 12, 1967, is a wonderful article by Olivia de Havilland: "The Dream that Never Died: Gone with the Wind". Finally, a 3-page review from the "Louisiana Schools Journal" of March, 1937 written by Muriel McCulla. Unparalleled drama, action and romance flower within the breathtaking wonders of this inspired spectacle of the written word and the most magnificently, exciting love story, ever! There were over one hundred printings of the first edition. Only 10,000 copies were produced of this true first printing in May, 1936. The subsequent June printing sold 50,000 copies on its first day, and two million after a year. Even though it is 1,037 pages long, readers all over the world snatched up the book; by 1937 it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the film rights had been sold to David O. Selznick. Mitchell prided herself on the historical accuracy of her work; and it is a sweeping account of how the Civil War tore apart an entire way of life. The stirring drama of the War Between the States and Reconstruction is brought vividly to life in this magnificent novel. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara remain two of the most enduring characters in American fiction. Insured post.. First Edition. Hardcover. Fair/Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book.