The Spirit of St. Louis (Presentation copy) by Lindbergh, Charles - 1953

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1953. First trade edition. Near Fine/Very Good +. A Near Fine copy of the book in Very Good+ dust jacket. Inscribed by the author: "To Henry J. Friendly, with best wishes from Charles A. Lindbergh August, 1953 | Publication date is Sept. 14th." Justice Friendly was a prominent 2nd Circuit Court judge for 27 years, this was clearly an early presentation copy of the trade edition. The book in Near Fine condition with the spine a trifle cocked and with minor wear. Very Good+ dust jacket with wear at the spine ends and corners.

Lindbergh's Pulitzer Prize winning story of his famous Atlantic crossing. Lindbergh had been a virtual unknown when he made the journey - the first solo transatlantic flight - but he quickly achieved worldwide renown. The 25 year old Lindbergh would be awarded the Medal of Honor, and was Time magazine's first Man of the Year. The Spirit of St. Louis was published in 1953 - over two decades after his flight -- and Lindbergh claimed to have worked on the book for over 14 years, often with the help of his wife, Anne. The book achieved instantaneous success and was well received by both critics and the public. "Lindbergh writes as well as he flies, and the interest and suspense never lessen." (Contemporary New York Times Review). Near Fine in Very Good + dust jacket.