Rogers, Will — The Illiterate Digest

Fair with no dust jacket Albert & Charles Boni 1st Edition. Early Printing Signed by the author on the first blank preliminary page "With Good Luck, Will Rogers"; on the same page is the following inscription: "For Announcement when Others Fail, (signed) Betty". Publisher's full blue cloth, red lettering on spine and cover top edge blue. The Illiterate Digest is a classic 1924 collection of satirical essays, lectures, and public thoughts written by the legendary American humorist, actor, and "Cowboy Philosopher" Will Rogers. Conceived as a sharp parody of the widely popular magazine The Literary Digest, the book compiles Rogers' trademark columns and vignettes skewering early 20th-century American life, international diplomacy, and the absurdities of the federal government. The book features a famous opening section titled "Two Letters and a Dedication". Before the book's release, the publishers of The Literary Digest threatened legal action over Rogers using "The Illiterate Digest" as a title for a short film series, claiming it caused public confusion and harmed their prestige. Rogers sent a hilariously cooperative, tongue-in-cheek response pointing out that "Illiterate" is the exact opposite of "Literary," so a mix-up was impossible. He later dedicated the entire book to their lawyer, William Beverly Winslow. NB: Rogers was born in Indian Territory in 1879 and had some Native American blood in his veins. He began in vaudeville and moved on to motion pictures, a career that was cut short when he died in a small plane crash in 1935 near Point Barrow, Alaska. Books signed or inscribed by this most popular of American humorists and member of the Cherokee Nation are uncommon.. The front hinge is sprung and the rear hinge is starting; the head and heel of the spine are worn with small loss; else fine; the text block is tight, square, and clean, and the volume is otherwise unmarked. FAIR.. 12mo 7" - 7½" tall. 351 pages. Signed by Author NY