Yoko Ono

SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY JOHN LENNON ON THE FRONT FREE ENDPAPER ("To Barbara and Shel love from John Lennon") WITH SELF-PORTRAIT CARICATURE, dated 1972, small square 8vo (134 x 137mm.), original white boards lettered in black, pictorial dust-jacket, small area of soiling to lower edge of upper board, dust-jacket worn at extremities with occasional minor tears; [with:] certificate of authenticity and an account by the original owner explaining how the book was signed (3)

Condition is as described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

According to the letter included with the lot from the original owner, he was given this book by Lennon in March 1972 when he was called to a house in New York to install a telephone line. Before he and his co-worker left, he asked Lennon for his autograph. Lennon obliged by signing a copy of Grapefruit, inscribing the book and adding his characteristic caricature portraits of himself and Yoko.

Grapefruit was first published in a limited edition of 500 copies in Tokyo in 1964; this second edition included a new introduction by Lennon.