Robert Coover — Pinocchio in Venice

London, Heinemann, 1991. First edition. Cloth. A lovely first edition of this novel by Robert Coover, signed to the title page and complete with its unclipped dust wrapper. The first edition, first impression of this novel by Robert Coover, companion to the original tale of Pinocchio by C. Collodi. A philosophical discourse dealing with the theme of what it means to be human while also being a wonderful tribute to the stunning city of Venice. A signed copy to the title page. Complete with the unclipped dust wrapper.  From the library at Julian Park, Hertfordshire, belonging to Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie (1902-1968). Audrey was the youngest daughter of an Anglo-American lumber and steel millionaire, sister to Edward James, a key figure in the Surrealist movement, and the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII. Her passion for literature is displayed by her impressive library. The present volume was added to the library posthumously.She was an English socialite known for her beauty and for charming various wealthy men, she was included in The Book of Beauty by Cecil Beaton. A patron of the arts, she assisted Viscount Carlow financially in the publication of limited editions of numerous works by leading literary figures such as T E Lawrence, James Joyce, Wyndham Lewis, and others. A hedonistic pursuer, she was recognised as one of the 'Bright Young Things&apos.  In the original publisher's full cloth binding. Externally lovely with only a minor bumping to the head of the spine. The dust wrapper is unclipped and excellent with minor shelf wear only. Signed by the author to the title page. Internally, firmly bound. The pages are clean, a hint of age toning, as usual. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Near Fine.