*SOLD*
 
A crown jewel rarity
 
East of Eden [Galley Proofs]
John Steinbeck
New York, 1952
 
Unrevised galley proofs of Steinbeck’s self-attested masterpiece, an iconic work of 20th century literature in an essentially unobtainable pre-publication format with a most personal provenance.
 
Folio, 243 unbound galley leaves printed on the rectos. Lightly handled with minor wear at edges, else Fine. Beautifully housed in a custom clamshell case.
 
Provenance:
 
Ex-David Heyler, Steinbeck’s nephew-in law. Sent by Viking Press to him at the direction of the author. We include a letter regarding this copy from publisher and close Steinbeck friend, Pascal Covici to Heyler dated June 4, 1952.
 
Steinbeck was close to Heyler, and would send many items to the young book collector.
 
In a letter to Heyler dated November 19, 1951, Steinbeck writes, "Finished the first draft of the book[East of Eden]…Am re-writing now. I think it is pretty good. I asked to have a galley pulled for you thinking you might like to have it. You'll get it sometime in January."
 
The proof would arrive in June of 1952 because, as Covici writes in the accompanying letter, "John did tell me about it but he forgot to give me the address.”
 
Goldstone and Payne, the premier Steinbeck bibliographers, located no such galley copies as it is likely merely a few of these were produced and survived.
 
A remarkable pinnacle piece for any literature collection.