[GIELGUD, Sir John]. SHAKESPEARE.

HAMLET. Prinz Von Daenmark. [Presentation copy from Elisabeth Bergner to Sir John Gielgud.] Mit 16 Lictdrucktafeln nach den Lithographieen von Eugene Delacroix.

Leipzig: Im Inselverlag. MDCCCCXIII, 1913.

1st Edition. Hardcover. Signed. [GIELGUD, Sir John]. SHAKESPEARE. HAMLET. Prinz Von Daenmark. Mit 16 Lictdrucktafeln nach den Lithographieen von Eugene Delacroix. First Edition Thus. Large Folio [13 inches wide by 18 inches tall]. Limited edition of 100 numbered copies on Van Gelder paper, this being copy Number 41. Full morocco, the spine elaborately decorated in gilt, front panel titled in gilt, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers. A very nice example. Presentation copy from Elisabeth Bergner to Sir John Gielgud. A preliminary blank bears an inscription presenting the Book to Bergner in Berlin, 1927, underneath this is an inscription which simply reads: "To John / from Elisabeth / London, Christmas 1973". Elisabeth Bergner (1900, Vienna -1986, London). Famous early German stage actress & film star, made her stage debut in Zurich in 1919, appeared in Vienna, Munich, Berlin, & later on Broadway. Big break in 1924 with stage production of Shaw's Saint Joan. Bergner made several films from 1933 in England & France. Her film Catherine the Great [1934] was banned in Germany for featuring "émigré Jews." At the height of her career, she was called by Alexander Woolcott, "probably the ablest actress living today". Nominated for an Oscar in 1935 for her performance in ESCAPE ME NEVER. A British Citizen since 1938. Sir John Gielgud's copy - completely appropriate & intriguing as Gielgud's career was distinguished by his numerous performances as Hamlet. An important association copy, inscribed to Gielgud from a close friend & important actress. [#20776].

Item #33212    Price: US$12,750.00