SETTING THE TONE: ESSAYS AND A DIARY

New York City, NY: Coward-McCann, Inc, 1983. First Edition. First Printing.. Hardcover. Fine/Fine Dust Jacket.. New York City, NY: Coward-McCann, Inc, 1983. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. First Edition/First Printing. 383 pages. Retrospective collection of essays and a diary. Now considered a late-modern classic. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Ned Rorem's "Setting The Tone: Essays And A Diary". Yet another installment from the indefatigable diarist and Renaissance Man of the 20th century, the diary being a genre that is misunderstood, often misused, and is now in disuse. As a result, Ned Rorem stands virtually alone, a solitary - and happy - figure of the genre. Widely regarded at the same time as the greatest American art song composer of the 20th century, Ned Rorem is also one of America's preeminent essayists, a fact that this collection proves, if proof were ever needed, in his case. An absolute "must-have" title for Ned Rorem collectors. This copy is very prominently and beautifully signed, dated, and inscribed in blue ink-pen by the author: "To Richard, With pleasure, Ned Rorem 84". It is signed directly on the page itself, not on a tipped-in page. The recipient, who is named, is known personally to the author. This title is a late-modern classic. As far as we know, this is the only such signed, dated, and inscribed copy of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing available online and is in fine condition overall: Clean, crisp, and bright. Please note: Copies available online have serious flaws, are subsequent printings, or are remainder-marked. This is surely and accessible and lovely alternative. A rare signed copy thus. One of the greatest American musical and literary figures of the 20th century. A fine copy. . ISBN 0698112342.