Beckett, Samuel, contrib.

8vo, first edition, inscribed by Beckett to William Targ below the title of his contribution, ordinary issue, original cream coloured paper wrappers printed in black, small stain to upper and lower covers near bottom edge, small tear near the top of the spine, wrappers slightly darkened

Federman & Fletcher 1; Slocum and Cahoon B10

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

SAMUEL BECKETT'S FIRST APPEARANCE IN PRINT: a contribution, entitled 'Dante... Bruno. Vico... Joyce', to a volume of essays on Joyce's "Work in Progress". This copy is inscribed to the bookseller, editor,  publisher and writer William Targ (1907—1999), as are many of the 20 lots. Originally from Chicago but latterly based in Greenwich Village in New York, Targ is most famous for having discovered Mario Puzo, and for acquiring the rights to The Godfather in 1968 when editor-in-chief at G.P. Putnam & Sons – it became the most profitable single novel ever published by the firm, selling more than 21 million copies world-wide. But Targ was also a committed bibliophile, collecting first editions and founding his own private press, Targ Editions, after his retirement in 1978, which published work by the likes of Henry Roth, Saul Bellow, Norman Mailer and John Updike. Targ met Beckett in the spring of 1978 during one of his annual visits to Paris, shortly after the latter had read and admired Humboldt’s Gift; at Beckett’s request Targ then arranged for him to meet his fellow Nobel Laureate on a subsequent visit to the city (see James Knowlson, Damned to Fame. The Life of Samuel Beckett).