Signed Books

French opera composer (1842-1912), one of the greatest creators of operas from his time. Vocal score with autograph music quotation - First and final revised edition vocal score containing the Fabliau (to replace the Gavotte in Act III). Original guilt wrappers, including the variant for performance without a ballet, and the very rare "Annexe A" containing the Fabliau, composed in 1884 for the great soprano Georgette Brejean-Silver.  This is the final version of Manon as revised by Massenet and the most authoritative printing of the opera. Light foxing, a few pages are loose, otherwise a remarkable copy with the very rare original semi-hard paper wrappers. BOLDLY SIGNED by Jules Massenet, who also wrote a short music quotation from the opera on the page facing the title page. 395 pages

Fabulous illustrated book with 96 tipped-in b&w photos, this copy belonged to American dancer Meredith Baylis, who signed on the frontend page and dated in 1949, and several important dancers signed and inscribed their autographs to her on their corresponding photos. Published by Geoffrey Bles, London, first edition, 1939. Included in the book are photos signed by Leonid Massine, Tatiana Riabouchinska, David Lichine, Frederick Franklin, Mischa Panaieff and Igor Yousskevitch. Size is 10.25 x 12.75, two-tone cloth hardcovers, tape marks on frontend page, otherwise in very good condition. See some photographs of the inside.

Russian dancer and choreographer (1896-1979), signed book "To The Ballet", first edition, 1935, also signed by author and ballet expert Irving Deakin (English, 1895-1959), who dated his signature in Chicago, 1936. Signatures are on first page, 178 pages, 4.75 x 7.5 inches, hard covers, overall age toning, in overall very good condition.  

Star Australian soprano (1861-1931), who became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian Era and the 20th century for her beautiful voice and technique.  Book "Melba's Gift Book of Australian Art and Literature" signed by the famous soprano with a short sentiment and dated in 1918 on the first blank page opposite her printed image in color by the Australian artist Florence Rodway. The book was published by George Robertson, no year indicated. Size is 7.5 x 10 inches, 176 pages, minor wear on the front cover, inside in very good condition, beautifully illustrated.

Book signed by Ib Melchior, son of the star Wagnerian tenor Lauritz Melchior (1890-1973), 273 pages with many interesting photographs. Signed and inscribed by author on title page, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a CD that comes with the book attached on the back cover, with 13 tracks recorded in the 1920s, Melchior and other singers. In excellent condition.

Italian-American composer and librettist (1911-2007), who created several popular operas. Signed score for this radio opera in one act, published by G. Ricordi, 1943. Signed and inscribed by the composer on the title page, ownership marks, 180 numbered pages, 8 x 11 inches, minor crack on front cover, otherwise in very good condition.

American dancer, teacher and dance writer (1911-1967). Signed book by Lifar, only 100 were published in alfama paper by Les Editions Nagel, Paris, 1950. A total of 320 numbered pages rebound in hardcovers, some illustrations, 5.5 x 8.75 inches. Original covers in poor condition with paper loss, but book is in very good condition. 

American dancer, teacher, and dance writer (1911-1967). Signed book by Lifar, probably of her ownership, 38 numbered pages bound in new hardcovers, 5.6 x 7.6 inches, some signs of wear, in very good condition.

British Royal Navy Officer and Statesman (1900-1979), and maternal uncle of Prince Philip, and Worl War II hero. Book entitled "Mountbatten" by Arthur Swinson, signed by Mountbatten of Burma over the back of the title page (opposite to the index - editorial page). Size is 5.4 x 8.25 inches, 1st Edition, 1971, 160 pages, softcovers, some wear on the spine and covers, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian composer of opera and film music (1885-1951), Mulé created 7 operas and was in his time well-connected with the fascist regime. Signed score of his 4th opera, "Dafni" (1928), first edition, version for piano and voice, inscribed to Canadian pianist and teacher Helen Paxton, dated in Roma, 1928. Autograph is on the full title page. A total of 248 numbered pages, original covers, published by Ricordi, Milano, 1928. Size is 8 x 10.8 inches, first 2 pages are loose, some wear and paper loss on corners, in good condition. Rare!

Chilean poet, diplomat and politician (1904-1973), winner of the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature. Signed book "Tercera Residencia", inscribed to someone thanking her visit and books, dated in Isla Negra (Chile) in 1964, with a small drawing by him.  Tercera Residencia is a book of poetry, 112 pages, this is the 2nd edition (1951), Editorial Losada, Buenos Aires, soft covers, 6 x 8 inches. Neruda signs it on the first page. Original dust jacket and book are both in excellent condition. See scans of autograph page, front cover and title page.

Israeli politician (b.1949) serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. His book "Terrorism: How the West Can Win", signed and inscribed by him on the front end page. Published by Farrar Strauss & Giroux, New York, 1st Edition, 2nd Printing, 1986.  Size is 6.25 x 9.25 inches, 254 pages, hardcovers, dust jacket, minor rust, in very good condition.

British-Australian actress (1948-2022), singer, and activist; active between 1963-2022. Her book "Livwise: easy recipes for a healthy, happy life" signed by her on the title page as "Olivia" with a short sentiment, published by Lions Press (2012), first edition 2011. Size is 8.6 x 10 inches, 192 pages, in excellent condition.

Biography of the great Russian dancer, written by his wife Romola, who signed on the front end page. First edition, ninth printing, hardcovers, in English, contains some photos. Size is 6.5 x 9.5 inches, 448 pages, light age toning, in very good condition, dust jacket in good condition.

American political commentator (b.1943), TV host, military historian, author and retired US Marine corps officer, among other things won a lot of publicity for the Iran-Contra scandal in the late 1980s. Signed book "Under Fire" about the Iran-Contra affair, 446 numbered pages, hardcovers, published by Harper Collins, NY, first edition first printing, dust jacket, in very good condition. Signed by North on a book plate attached to first title page, 6.3 x 9.6 inches.

Hairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman, with a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Their book "Hairspray: The Roots" signed on the first title page by  all four authors plus two other signatures (probably other co-participants in the making of the book), published by Roundtable Press Book, and Faber & Faber, Inc.. Size is 10.25 x 10.25 inches, 168 pages, small crack on the dust jacket, otherwise in excellent condition.

American attorney (b.1964) and former first lady of the USA (2009-2016), the first African-American. Deluxe signed limited edition, signed by Michelle Obama, in a luxurious box, cloth covers, all in excellent condition - like new. Case is 9 x 12 inches, with almost 2 inches in thickness. Limited edition. See scans of case, signed by Michelle Obama on the first blank page of the book, and the book front covers.

Argentine writer and intellectual (1890-1979), well-known for her books and as the published of the magazine Sur - Ocampo is considered one of the most prominent women in South America in her time. Her book "Testimonios - 6ta Serie" (1957-1962), is part of a series of compiled essays, of which 10 volumes were published. Signed by Ocampo on the first blank page, inscribed, with a long sentiment, and dated in July 1963. A total of 268 numbered pages, published by Sur, Argentina, 1963, softcovers. Size is 5.5 x 8 inches, rust on covers and on edges, in excellent condition inside.

American track and field athlete (1913-1980) who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games; considered the most famous athletes in track and field history. Book "The Nazi Olympics" by Richard D. Mandell signed by Owens on the back of the frontend page. Published by The MacMillan Co., New York, 1971. First edition, first print.  Size is 5.75 x 8.5 inches, 316 pages, hardcovers, dust jacket, minor wear, in very good condition.

Italian superstar tenor (1935-2007), one of the world's most famous vocal performers in history. Martin Mayer's book "Grandissimo Pavarotti" signed on the first title page by the star tenor, dated 1984. Edited by Doubleday & Co, New York, first edition. Size is 9.2 x 12.25 inches, 224 pages, in excellent condition. Two unidentified signatures are found  on the front and back of the frontend page.

Italian superstar tenor (1935-2007), one of the world´s most famous vocal performers in history. His book "Pavarotti: My Own Story" signed by him on the frontend page. Published by Doubleday & Co, New York, 1981, 1st edition. Size is 6.25 x 9.5 inches, 316 pages, hardcovers, dust jacket (evident signs of wear), book in excellent condition.

English tenor (1910-1986), closely associated with composer Benjamin Britten for nearly 40 years. Pears created the role of the fisherman Peter Grimes in the opera of the same name by Britten in 1945. Published in 1985 by the Britten-Pears Library, it contains many photographs of Pears´ life and career and letters to him, including some written for his 75th Birthday. Signed on the title page, inscribed and dated by Pears in 1985, opposite to a photograph of him with Benjamin Britten. A total of 145 numbered pages plus extras and hardcovers, dust jacket, all in excellent condition. The book is 7 x 10 inches in size, in excellent condition.  

Israeli politician (1923-2016) who served as the ninth President of Israel (2007-2014) and Prime Minister twice. His book "For the Future of Israel", signed by him and inscribed to his friend Rabbi Herbert A. Friedman (1918-2008), a Reform Rabbi who also was president of UJA and was involved in many humanitarian causes.  First edition, hardcovers, 206 numbered pages, dust jacket, published by Johns Hopkings, 1998. Size is 5.75 x 9.3 inches, in excellent condition. Most likely a reading copy, there are inside a couple of typed letters, one signed by Friedman, to the editors, pointing out some errors in the book, and another by the editors, not shown here for privacy reasons..

Israeli politician (1923-2016) who served as the ninth President of Israel (2007-2014) and Prime Minister twice. His book "The New Middle East" signed by him on the first title page, published by The Easton Press, Norwalk, 1st edition. Size is 6.2 x 9.25 inches, leather-bound, 224 pages, hardcovers, gilded edges, in excellent condition.

His book "Gettin' Licked and Other Verse" signed by him on the frontend page. Printed by Metropolitan Press, Oregon, 1934, 1st edition. Size is 5.5 x 7.9 inches, rust stains, damage on the binding, original blue-clothed hardcovers, in very good condition.

French highwire artist (b.1949) who gained fame for his unauthorized highwire walks between the towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris (1971), Sydney Harbour Bridge (1973), and the New York Twin Towers (1974). His book "To Reach the Clouds" signed by him on the title page; published by North Point Press (2002), first edition. Size is 8.75 x 11.1 inches, 244 pages, hardcovers, dust jacket, in very good condition.

Published by C. Muquardt, signed (initialized) and inscribed on first page by the Author, who dated in 1870. Includes original photograph depicting a statuette of the author, 317 pages of text, 7 plates with original photographs. Size is 6.25 x 9.25 inches, minor damage on spine, otherwise in excellent condition.

Ukrainian-born American pianist (1891-1987) and also an educator. His autobiography "Khaki and Tails" signed twice by him on the back of the front end page, dated twice (1984 and 1977).  Book is apparently published in 1977, 118 pages, soft covers, size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, in excellent condition.

First edition of the second and final version, score for singing and piano, with a listing of all singers in the 1876 world premiere. Signed by Ponchielli on the first page, inscribed to Italian lawyer Louis Roux (1848-1913), size is 8.5 x 10.8 inches, full book with 346 pages and covers. Some wear on covers, otherwise in very good condition. 

Full Almanac from the Prague National Theater, from the year 1929. Around 68 signatures from singers and opera personalities, each one under the corresponding photo. Full book size is 12 x 9 inches, with all 84 pages, in very good condition.

Star Italian composer (1858-1924), Italian lyric tenor (1865-1957), and Italian soprano (1863-1943) - Both Gorga and Ferrani were the creators of the Rodolfo and Mimi roles in the world premiere of this opera, in 1896. Fantastic printed music score for voice and piano for this opera in full signed on the opposite to the title page by Puccini and Evan Gorga, the first Rodolfo. Gorga wrote a long sentiment and signed this at a very old age to an Italian opera fan and collector, dating his autograph in 1952. Puccini signed and dated his autograph apparently in 1903 (the exact number is hard to read) in Torre del Lago. Cesira Ferrani signed on page 70, at the beginning of her most famous aria, "Mi Chiamanó Mimi". This is an early edition of this score, published in 1898 by Giulio Ricordi, 277 numbered pages, nice light teal-colored hardcovers with golden designs on front and verso, spine is in good condition with some professional repairs on corners, spotted rust on some of the first pages, 8.25 x 11 inches, in overall very good condition. Autographs of both Evan Gorga and Cesira Ferrani are exceedingly rare, and this is the first time ever we find them in the same piece item. This truly is a one-of-a-kind item!

American-born Jordanian philanthropist (b.1951) whose name was Lisa Najib Halavy, queen to King Hussein of Jordan (1978-1991). Her autobiography book "Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life" signed by her on a plate attached to the front end page.  Book edited by Miramax Books, size is 6.4 x 9.4 inches, 467 pages, hardcovers, dust jacket, in excellent condition.

American actress (1921-2016) and 2nd wife of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, former first lady 1981-1989. Signed book, with many color photographs and text, first edition by St. Martin´s Press, New York, 1986. Nancy Reagan signed on the frontend page and inscribed, ownership writing on the top right corner. Dust jacket, hardcovers, 266 numbered pages, 8.75 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1823-1909) and music critic, Reyer is mostly known for his operas, of which Sigurd (1884) and Salammbo (1890) were the most successful. "Salammbo", vocal and piano score of the opera in 5 acts, Choudens Fils, Paris, attached with a short autograph letter signed by the French composer. Letter is written in French, sold untranslated, size is 4 x 6.25 inches. Vocal score is in good condition, binding is in only fair condition, no rust, 7.75 x 10.75 inches, 360 pages.

Russian composer (1844-1908) and teacher, Rimsky-Korsakov was a very important member of the famous group of composers called the Five.  Leather-bound vocal score for his opera "The Snow Maiden" (1880) signed and inscribed by him to his pupil Russian composer Mikhail Chernov (1879-1938) with a 3-bar music quote. Size is 9.4 x 12.2 inches, 315 pages, in very good condition.

American cartoonist (1890-1949), entrepreneur and amateur anthropologist. His book "Believe it or Not!" signed by the famous showman on the front cover page with a short sentiment, published in 1934, first edition, 9th printing.  Size is 6.3 x 9.3 inches, 361 pages, repaired spine, some wear on the cover, book in overall very good condition.

Star Italian tenor (1794-1854), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era. Signed book "12 Lezioni di Canto Moderno per Voce di Tenore o Soprano" with music he composed, edition 1839.  No original covers, missing lower portion of page 3, below a printed notice (but page text is complete). Spotted rust on pages, but complete with all 12 lessons in 50 pages, plus title page and first, blank page. Signed by Rubini on first blank page, inscribed to a friend, with a short sentiment in Italian (Al Caro amico....(Lazariutt?), il tuo sempre..(illegible)), size is 10 x 13.8 inches, in good condition. Very rare! A book of singing lessons authored by and signed by one of the greatest singers of all times!

Superstar Polish-born American pianist (1887-1982).  His book "My Young Years" signed boldly by him on the first title page; first edition, 1973, published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Size is 6.5 x 9.5 inches, 478 pages, hardcover and dust jacket, some wear and minor stains on the dust jacket (book in excellent condition). ALSO INCLUDED is its external hard cardboard case showing some wear (see pictures).

American astronomer, author and science popularizer (1934-1996), signed book "Cosmos", first edition, Random House, New York, 1980. This was one of his most famous works, written to accompany the celebrated TV series of 13 episodes of the same name. A total of 365 pages, signed on the title page and inscribed by him, dated in 1993. Dust jacket shows some cracks, book is in excellent condition, 8.1 x 10.2 inches.

Set of 2 volumes, published by John Henry Nash, San Francisco, 1920. Original publisher´s olive green boards with a printed label on the spines. Signed by both Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn below the limitation statement for each volume (350 copies were made and signed by both). Printed in Italian paper, volume 1 has only text, while volume 2 has only illustrations, mostly b&w plates, some color, of St. Denis in various dancing roles in her career.  Volume I is also signed by Ruth St. Denis on the frontend page, inscribed to Hal Marm, with a short sentiment (a total of 3 signatures by her on these 2 volumes). Size is 10 x 13.25 inches, water damage on covers and the first pages, minor, spotter rust, in very good condition.

German composer, conductor and theater director (1868-1933), known for his opera "Mona Lisa", which was an international success, and German soprano (1881-1959) and his wife.  First edition of this opera´s libretto, boldly signed by him, with a short music quote, inscribed and dated apparently in Berlin in 1931, in the first blank page after the title page. Barbara Kemp also signed below, dating her signature in 1950.  The opera was world premiered in 1915 in Stuttgart, Germany, and was premiered in North America at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1923, with Barbara Kemp for the main soprano role.  Libretto also includes 2 signed photo postcards, one for each composer Max von Schillings and Barbara Kemp, that have been attached (glued) to the back of the frontend page and the first blank page, before the title pages (see scans). Front end pages have a written text quote by an unknown hand, probably past ownership (see scan). Luxurious red hardcovers embossed in gold text, 5.25 x 7.25 inches, most probably not the original covers but added later, 76 numbered pages plus some extra pages with advertisements on the back. In very good condition.

American author, activist and civil rights leader (1927-2006), wife of famous leader Martin Luther King Jr. Book by Robert Jakoubek, titled "Martin Luther King, Jr.", with the introduction written by Coretta Scott King, who signed at the top. Published by Chelsea House Publishers, 1989, 144 pages, hard covers, some stains on frontend pages, otherwise in excellent condition. See scans of front cover, title pages and start of the Introduction pages with the autograph.

American illustrator and writer of children's books (1928-2012).  Beautiful edition of his book "Outsided Over There" signed by him on the frontend page.  Size is 10.25 x 9.3 inches, rich full-page illustrations with text, published by Ursula Nordstrom, 1981; hardcovers, dust jacket in very good condition.

Israeli politician (1915-2012), who served as the seventh Prime Minister of Israel, serving two terms, 1983-1984 and 1986-1992.  Signed book "Summing Up", first edition 1994 by Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London. Signature is on the title page, and is inscribed, with a short sentiment. Hard covers, dust jacket, 276 numbered pages, dated by him in 1996.

American playwright and poet (1948-2018), as a black feminist, she addressed issues relating to race in much of her work. Signed book "For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf", a choreopoem by Ntozake Shange. Published by Macmillan Publishing, New York, fourth printing of the 1st Edition, 1978. A total of 64 numbered pages, hardcovers, dust jacket, signed by her on the frontend page. Size is 6.1 x 9.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Irish playwright (1856-1950), critic, polemicist, and political activist, whose influence on Western theatre, culture, and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. His book "The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God" (1932) signed, inscribed, and dated by him on October 5, 1934. Published by R. & R. Clark, Edinburgh, 1932, first edition.  Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, 74 pages, semi-hard covers, some wear on the spine, inside in excellent condition.  

American dancer (1891-1972) and pioneer of the American modern dance, and husband to the celebrated ballerina Ruth St. Denis. His book "Whitman: His Immortal Leaves" signed by him on page 3. Size is 6 x 9.25 inches, minor stains on the front cover, hardcovers, 84 pages, special edition of 500 books (350 of them signed by the author), in very good condition.

American Districg Judge and writer (1904-1992), famous for his role during the trials stemming from the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. Signed book "To Set the Record Straight - The Break-in, The Tapes, The Conspirators, The Pardon", first edition, W.W. Norton & Co., 1979. Signed by Sirica on the frontend page. Hardcovers, 394 numbered pages, dust jacket, 6.4 x 9.4 inches, spotted rust on frontendpages, in overall very good condition.