Conrad Barnaby Spiegel Clara Gatzert (1 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. 1st Printing. Signed. 212 pages. Published in 1994. Rare Barnaby Conrad and Clara Gatzert Spiegel collectible item. A fine copy of the author's memoirs, signed by Barnaby Conrad with a one-of-a-kind presentation/portrait on the book itself. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only. The First Edition is now rare. Presents Barnaby Conrad's "Name Dropping". Oh, memory. "Diplomat, bullfighter, writer, artist, Conrad has led a colorful life. This aptly titled memoir contains anecdotes about well-known friends and acquaintances, including Bing Crosby, Truman Capote, David Niven, Lucille Ball, and Sinclair Lewis. Many of the stories recount evenings at El Matador, the San Francisco carbaret Conrad opened with the proceeds from his best-selling novel, 'Matador' (1952) " (William Gargan). A larger-than-life figure who has written numerous books and remains the only American matador ever, Barnaby Conrad is also a brilliant artist. His portraits of various figures are interspersed throughout the book. An absolute "must-have" title for Barnaby Conrad collectors. This copy is magnificently signed, dated (in the year of publication), and inscribed in blue pen on the half-title page by the author: "Lots of X'Mas love to Clara from Mary and Barny 1994". In addition, Barnaby Conrad drew an exquisitely detailed portrait of the recipient, Clara Spiegel, catching a monster-size trout fish. This title is a contemporary classic. This is the only such signed, publication-year dated, and inscribed copy (with original drawing) of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright. Please note: Clara Gatzert Spiegel (1904-1997) was the quintessential American cosmopolitan figure, a cross between Brooke Astor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The wife of the Chicago-based magnate Frederick W. Spiegel, she was a bona-fide member of the American elite. She was also an accomplished novelist, short story writer, and patron of the arts. Her biography recounts how she caught a 23-inch trout while seated in a wheelchair two weeks before her death in 1997 at the age of 93. A rare signed copy thus. Two of the iconic American figures of the 20th century. A fine collectible copy. ISBN 006258507X. Signed by Author.