The Genius
In dust jacket
DREISER, Theodore (1871-1945). The Genius. New York: John Lane Company, 1915.

A signed copy of the first edition, first issue of Dreiser’s semi-autobiographical novel about the creative process. Signed and dated, “Theodore Dreiser, N.Y. Jan. 1938.” Tipped to verso of epigraph page is a typed letter signed by Dreiser to Gotham Book Mart: "I have a copy of The Genius for which I paid fifteen dollars last spring, but since I do not know where to get another, and this is a first edition, I would not take that for it. I am sorry I cannot help you. One of these days I hope to drive off the Comstocks and return the book to market. Theodore Dreiser." On the front pastedown is a tipped-in note from Dreiser’s secretary on his personal letterhead, arranging to autograph a book. ABPC records one copy of The Genius in the dust jacket, selling in 1983. McDonald 7.

Octavo. Original cloth (spine a little rubbed, hinges repaired); printed dust jacket (restoration to spine panel, panels, and folds with "The" on spine panel reproduced in facsimile); custom box. [Together with:] Autograph letter signed, "Theodore Dreiser," to Gotham Book Mart, Los Angeles, 11 January 1920. One page, octavo. Provenance: Gotham Book Mart, Inc. (bookseller ticket).