Signed Books (over $500)

Copy #27 of 250 numbered copies - SIGNED & dated "London ´77" by Baryshnikov on the title page. Features 6 silkscreen mezzotint prints one for each of the Ballets noted in the title. (10" X 8" images printed on 17" X 15" sheets), photographs by Jennie Walton. Published by Megara Screenprinting, London, first edition 1977. All prints, covers, and pages are fine. Housed in a black portfolio with silver stamped titles & black satin ribbon ties. (18" X 16"). In excellent condition. A notably uncommon production highlighting the charm & grace of the dancer in his prime. RARE! sold at a bargain price. SEE PRICE BELOW  WATCH M. BARYSHNIKOV DANCING - Legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov Solos: Don Quixote/Giselle

Star American composer and conductor (1918-1990). Bernstein was the first conductor born and educated in the US to receive world-wide acclaim, and is known for conducting the NY Philharmonic Orchestra for years and some of his compositions. Biographical book by John Briggs, signed by Leonard Bernstein on the frontend page, first edition by The World Publishing Company, 1961. Hardcovers, dust jacket, 273 numbered pages, includes a central section with many black and white photographs. Size is 5.75 x 8.5 inches, small sticker with name of previous owner on the back of the title page. Dust jacket has a small crack and shows minimal signs of wear, book is in excellent condition.

Star American composer and conductor (1918-1990), who was the first conductor born and educated in the US to receive worldwide acclaim. Vocal score for Beethoven's "Misa Solemnis" for choir, soloists, and piano signed by the star American conductor on the first blank page, dated by another hand on January 29, 1969. The vocal score has Bernstein's own rehearsal markings made with a red pencil for the preparation of the work. Size is 6.75 x 10.2 inches, 141 pages, soft covers, handmade plasticized front cover, inside in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a mugshot of the conductor during the rehearsals.

Pakistani politician (1953-2007) and prime minister of Pakistan in two occasions (1988-1990 and 1993-1996), who became the first woman to lead a democratic government in a Muslim majority country. Her book "Daughter of Destiny" signed and inscribed by her on the front end page, published by Simon & Schuster, 1989, 1st Edition; the book includes some black and white photographs. Size is 6.4 x 9.5 inches, 411 pages, hardcovers, dust jacket, in excellent condition.

American politician (b.1942) who served as the 47th vice president of the USA (2009-2017), and former US senator, 46th President of the USA. Signed book, published by Flatiron Books, first edition, 2017, hardcovers, dust jacket. Signed on the first blank page, 260 numbered pages, in excellent condition. Certified authentic by publisher and by us.

American politician (b.1942) who served as the 47th vice president of the USA (2009-2017), and former US senator, 46th President of the USA. Signed book, "Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics", published by Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2008, first published by Random House in 2007. A total of 365 numbered pages plus extras, soft covers, signed by Biden on full title page, dated by him on Oct 30th, 2008.  Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, certified authentic by us, and there is also a 3rd party certificate of authenticity inside by a company we are not familiar with.

American explorer, politician and academic (1875-1956). Hiram Bingham III is famous for bringing the ruins of Machu Picchu (Peru) of the Incas to the world´s attention when he discovered them in 1911, later becoming a US senator and Governor of Connecticut.  Signed book "Elihu Yale", about the merchant who gave the name to Yale University, where Bingham was an academic. First edition, 1939, by Dodd, Mead and Company, New York, hardcovers, 362 pages, Bingham signed and inscribed the book on the frontend page, with a Christmas greetings, inscribed, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an original National Geographic Magazine from April, 1913, the famous issue where his now celebrated 1912 expedition (sponsored by the NGS) and the discovery of Machu Picchu are described. A very long article which takes the entire issue, and includes 244 illustrations, magazine is 6.8 x 10 inches, in very good condition.

Argentinians short-story writer, essayist and poet (1899-1986), and a key figure in the Spanish-language and universal literature. Signed poetry book, "El Hacedor", first edition, Emecé Editores, 1960. Borges signed on the first blank page, 112 pages, 5 x 7.25 inches, softcover, minor damage on spine, otherwise in very good condition.

Limited edition book, signed on the first page both by composer Benjamin Britten and illustrator Sidney Nolan, published by Faber Music, London. A facsimile of the original score of the piece with the same name, with full color, full page illustrations by Nolan.  An edition of only 1000 copies, of which 300 were signed by both composer and artist, this one is number 167, published celebrating the 60th birthday of Britten. Total size is 11.25 x 15.3 inches, hardcovers, original bookcase is included (not shown), in excellent condition.  See scans of front cover, title page, first page, and a couple of pages inside. 

Elmina Evangelia "Litsa" Callas (1894-1982) was the mother of star soprano Maria Callas. Published in 1960, this is the first edition of her book about her daughter Maria Callas, as she remembers her first years, the years in Athens during the occupation in WWII, her first teachers, and more. Rare signed copy of her book, with Evangelia´s signature on the back of the first blank page, inscribed by her and dated in New York in 1960. First edition, hardcovers, original dust jacket with lots of wear, book is in excellent condition.

Italian-American film director, producer and writer (1897-1991), creator of several major award-winning films in the 1930s and 40s. Signed book "The Films of Frank Capra", first edition, 1977, Citadel Press, Seacaucus, New Jersey, USA. Capra signed on the title page, together with the 2 authors of this book, who also inscribed it on the frontend page. A total of 278 pages, 8.75 x 11.25 inches, dust jacket and book both in very good condition.

British molecular biologist (1916-2004), most noted for being a co-discoverer of the structure of the DNA molecules in 1953, which awarded him the 1962 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Signed book "Life Itself", first edition 1981. A total of 192 pages, 5.7 x 8.6 inches, dust covers with minor damage, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Spanish painter (1904-1989), a very famous surrealist artist, his full name was Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech. Full booklet/catalog for an exhibition of his works in the Gallery of Modern Art including the Huntington Hartford Collection, December 18th, 1965 through February 28th, 1966. A total of 160 numbered pages plus soft covers, with many illustrations in color and black and white. Dali signed with a blue felt tip pen on a blank page opposite to the title page. See scan. Size is 8.5 x 10.9 inches, rust over edges of front and back covers, in excellent condition inside.

French composer (1836-1891), famous for his operas. First edition, 106 pages, published by Mme. Cendrier, Paris, 1858.  Monsieur Griffard was Delibes´ first complete opera comique, and was world-premiered in 1857 with French tenor Ernest Leroy in the title role. A fine copy, signed by the composer and inscribed to the creator of the title role “To Monsieur Griffard, with a thousand thanks to the friend Leroy, Leo Delibes, 1858”. Contemporary quarter morocco covers original front wrapper bound in - First edition, extremely rare.

French tenor (1806-1896), who performed at the world premiere in Lucia di Lammermoor (1835). His book "L'Art du Chant" signed twice by the author (on the title page and over the opposite blank page) with a 3-bar music quote and lyrics.  Size is 7.5 x 10.8 inches, 123 pages, 2nd edition (no year); original covers were removed and rebound with leather hard covers, in overall very good condition.

Italian novelist, critic, philosopher and academic (1932-2016), famous for some of his books, especially for "The Name of the Rose", first published in Italian in 1980, and in English in 1983.  This novel received numerous international awards, and was later taken to the screen in a famous film of the same name (1986). Signed book "The Name of the Rose", 1983 edition in English language, Eco signs and inscribed this copy on the title page above the book title. A total of 502 pages, hardcovers and dust jacket, 6.4 x 9.4 inches. Book is in excellent condition, dust jacket shows signs of wear and a few cracks.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Score of his opera "Andrea Chenier", his most famous work, signed by him on the first title page. Version for piano and voice, published by Edoardo Sonzogno, Milan, 1922.  Giordano boldly signed on the first title page, inscribing his autograph to Canadian pianist and teacher Helena Plaxton, dating this in 1927. 246 numbered pages, 9 x 11.6 inches, rebound covers with leather spine printed in golden letters with the name of the opera, in very good condition.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Score of his opera "Fedora", one of his most popular works, signed by him on the first title page. Version for piano and voice, published by Edoardo Sanzogno, Milan, 1898.  Giordano boldly signed on the first title page, inscribing his autograph to Canadian pianist and teacher Helena Plaxton, dating this in 1927. 254 numbered pages, 9.25 x 11.8 inches, rebound covers with leather spine printed in golden letters with the name of the opera, in very good condition. See scans of the full title page and the first title page, with the autograph.

American composer of musical theater and popular music (1885-1945), considered one of the most important American composers for theater music in the first part of the 20th Century.  Signed score for his theater musical "Music in the Air" (read more HERE), first edition, 1933, published by T.B. Harms, New York. Kern signed this printed score for voice and piano on the title page, and inscribed it to custom designer Madi Christians. Size is 8.75 x 11.5 inches, softcover, 216 numbered pages plus extras, spine is partially loose and repaired with tape, in overall very good condition.

American author (b.1947) of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. Signed book "Four Past Midnight", inscribed and dated by him in 1993 on the frontend page. First edition, 1990 by Viking Penguin, first printing, 763 numbered pages, dust jacket, 6.5 x 9.5 inches, hardcovers, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1857-1919) whose opera Pagliacci (1892) is considered one of the most successful in opera history.  Complete score for voice and piano of his opera "Pagliacci" signed and inscribed by the composer with a short sentiment, dated in February 1909.  Score is 9.5 x 12.3 inches, 204 pages, edited by Sanzogno, Milan, 1893, first edition; soft covers partially trimmed at the top and rebound with hard covers, in very good condition.

American singer (b.1958) and songwriter, known as the "Queen of Pop", widely recognized for her continual reinvention and versatility in music. Illustrated book "Lotsa de Casha" for children (above 5 years old) signed by her on the first printed page, issued in 2005, with illustrations by artist Ruy Paes. Size is 8.25 x 10.25 inches, 48 pages, dust jacket, hardcovers, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1863-1945), mostly remembered today for Cavalleria Rusticana and L'Amico Fritz, among other creations. Complete score for voice and piano of his opera "Amica" (1905) signed by the composer in the full title page, inscribed to baritone Riccardo Stracciari who performed the star male role in the Italian premiere of the opera in Rome, 1905 (the opera was premiered in France in March 1905) -in both cases conducted by the composer himself. Mascagni wrote "to the unforgettable "Rinaldo", to the dearest friend Riccardo Stracciari with affection and admiration. Pietro Mascagni, Rome, May, 1905". Size is 10.4 x 12.8 inches, 183 pages, French edition (1905), original soft covers included -rebounded within hard covers, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photograph of Stracciari as Rinaldo and soprano Biancapelli. Size is 6.2 x 8.4 inches, in very good condition.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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).

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.

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.  

Russian, later French and American composer (1882-1971), widely considered one of the most important of the 20th century. Signed book about him "The Book About Stravinsky", published by Triton, 1929, written by Igor Glebov (1884-1949) - his real name was Boris Asafyev - a composer himself (creator of several operas and ballets, 5 symphonies, and other pieces), writer, music critic and one of the founders of Soviet musicology.  Stravinsky signed on his photo, shown young, on page 3, dating the signature in 1962. A total of 400 pages, in Russian, soft covers, clear wear on covers, otherwise in good condition. Rare! WATCH A 1957 INTERVIEW WITH STRAVINSKY:

Irish composer (1852-1924), who was also music teacher and conductor, creator of an important number of symphonic music and coral work for church performance, plus 9 operas. Printed score for full orchestra for his 3rd Symphony, signed by the composer in pencil on top of the title page.  Villiers Stanford´s 3rd Symphony was premiered in 1887 and was entitled "The Irish", it is his most popular symphony. Published by Novello, Ewer and Co., London and New York, 183 numbered pages plus extras, hardcovers, 11 x 13.6 inches. Pencil markings by another hand in some pages, (see a scan of page 1 as an example), spotted rust, in overall good condition.

Austrian composer of light operettas (1819-1895). Fatinitza was premiered in Vienna in 1876, and was Franz von Suppe´s first full opera and one of his biggest triumphs. Signed piano and vocal score, no year mentioned but circa 1879, listing the singers of the Paris premiere of 1879 - probably printed for the occasion.  Boldly signed by the composer and inscribed to Scipion, one of the singers in the cast that night. Size is 7.75 x 10.75 inches, 238 pages, in fine condition. Listen to a piece from "Fatinitza", act I:

English composer (1902-1983), known for his works on several classical genres including opera, oratorio, orchestral, film, etc. Printed vocal score of his cantata "Belshazzar´s Feast" (1931), this is the revised edition from 1955, signed by the composer on the front cover. Size is 6.75 x 9.75 inches, with all 120 pages and both covers, some damage/wear in the spine, markings inside, in overall very good condition.

American artist (1928-1987), film director, and producer who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art. His book "The POPism: The Warhol 60's" signed by him on the dust jacket and on the front end page; published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York - London, 1980, American Edition (central section with photographs).  Size is 6.5 x 9.4 inches, 310 pages, hardcovers, dust jacket with some wear and cracks, book in excellent condition.

American artist (1928-1987), director and producer, was a leading figure in pop art. Signed (initialized) book "The Philosophy of Andy Warhol - From A to B & Back Again", first edition, 1975, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York and London. A total of 242 pages plus covers, 5.75 x 8.5 inches, dust covers and book in excellent condition.

English writer (1866-1946), prolific in many genres such as biography, short story, novel, and history.  Beautiful edition in three volumes of his book "The World of William Clissold: a Novel in a New Angle" signed by the author on the back of the title page of each volume.   Each volume's size is 5.25 x 8 inches, 883 pages in total, published by Ernest Benn, London, 1926; deluxe edition, gilded top edges, luxurious binding, in every good condition.