Paul Osborn — A Bell for Adano

New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1945. First edition. Cloth. An illustrated first edition of Osborn's theatre adaptation of Hersey's acclaimed novel, neatly presented in the original dust wrapper. First edition.   In the publisher's original orange cloth binding, accompanied by the original, clipped dust wrapper.   Illustrated with four photographs from the debut performance.   American playwright Paul Osborn's successful adaptation of John Hersey's Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel of the same name. Best known for The Vinegar Tree, Oliver Oliver and Morning's at Seven, Osborn is also remembered as a prolific screenwriter for numerous major works, such as East of Eden and South Pacific. A Bell for Adano was first performed at the Cort Theatre, New York City, in December 1944. From the theatrical collection of Clive Hirschhorn, theatre critic for the Sunday Express from 1966 to 1993. Known for his witty and thorough reviews, features and interviews, Hirschhorn also authored several works on the film industry, including his critically acclaimed biographies of Hollywood stars, Gene Kelly and James Mason.   A renowned book collector, the majority of works from Hirschhorn"s incredible library of theatre-related material have a characteristic pencil inscription with his date of acquisition to the upper corner of the paste down. In the publisher's original orange cloth binding, accompanied by the original, clipped dust wrapper. Externally, smart with minor bumping and rubbing, light discolouration, focused towards the top edge, and the odd mark. Dust wrapper noticeably age toned with minor edgewear and a few marks. Internally, firmly bound. A bright and clean edition with subtle discolouration and only the rare spot or mark. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: George Karger. Very Good Indeed/Very Good Indeed.