Trotsky, Leon

3 volumes, 8vo (202 x 132mm.), PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR IN EACH VOLUME ("To Mrs Gladys | Mr Edward | Ms Jeanne | Robinson | with my best regards | and wishes | Leon Trotsky | 18/VIII 1938" on half-title to volume I; "A Mme Gladys / Robinson | avec les meilleurs | sentiments d'amitié | Leon Trotsky | 18/VIII 1938" on half-title to volume II; "Mes meilleurs saluts | à la famille artistique | Robinson | Leon Trotsky | 18/VIII 1938 | Coyoacan" on half-title to volume III), half-titles, frontispiece portrait in each volume, original printed wrappers, uncut, flyer for another work by Trotsky loosely inserted, collector's morocco-backed single slipcase, first inscription slightly smudged

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. Note that the wrappers are becoming tender at the hinges and there is some loss to the upper corner of the lower wrapper of volume I. The frontispiece in volume II is becoming loose and the inscription is on the reverse of this (not, as stated in the catalogue, on the half-title). The inscription in volume III is on the preliminary blank (not, as stated in the catalogue, on the half-title).
"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."

PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed by the author on the half-titles to the actor Edward G. Robinson (1893-1973), his wife Gladys and her daughter Jeanne. Robinson was known for his criticism of fascism during the second world war, but he was also questioned by the House Un-American Activites Committee in the early 1950s for his supposed links to communist organisations. At the time he signed these books Trotsky was living at the house of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Mexico City; Robinson owned paintings by both Kahlo and Rivera and was a regular visitor to their home.