Joyce James

1928 · ref. 140944930 — New York: Alfred A. Knopf 1928. Signed by Robert Joyce Tasker on the half title upon his release from prison with the inscription "A new 'First Day' -- for those who know my career- a title with double meaning:- signed with sentiments rising but the situation well in hand. Robert Joyce Tasker at San Francisco!! Dec. 10 1929." An earlier handwritten note from Tasker while incarcerated is pasted onto the facing page. On pink paper it reads "You might paste this in your copy of Grimhaven-- Mr Eugene Plunkett -- signed Robert Joyce Tasker April 26th -1929- San Quentin Calif." Four newspaper articles about Tasker are pasted in at front with the former owner's explanations and notes written ink next to them. Second printing of the first edition. iv 241 3 pp. Bound in publisher's green cloth with gilt stamping. A Good only copy lacking jacket. Spine worn and frayed along ends glued down to spine offsetting from clippings. Former owner's bookplate on paste down San Francisco bookseller's ticket on rear paste down. A rare fan's copy of a popular memoir of life at San Quentin which the author was able to parlay into a successful screenwriting career. After relocating to Mexico City in 1942 he committed suicide by eating sleeping pills. A very unusual copy for being signed once while in prison once out. Alfred A. Knopf unknown books