Burroughs, Edgar Rice (1923) ‘Tarzan and the Golden Lion’, US signed and inscribed first edition, family association copy

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1923) ‘Tarzan and the Golden Lion‘, US first edition, first printing, published by McClurg. Signed and inscribed by the author on the ffep to his brother-in-law: “Many happy returns / of the day to / Edward Henry Gilbert / From / Edgar Rice Burroughs / Aug 12 1939”.  In the original ivory dust jacket lettered in red and black with the front panel whowing probably the most iconic image of Tarzan by John Allen St. John who also provided eight extraordinary sepia plates.

Provenance: The actress Florence Gilbert was Burroughs’ second wife and Edward was her brother. He was also an admirer of Burroughs’ work and a passionate collector of his books. His magnificent collection, including the original contract for Tarzan of the Apes and many other jewels, went to auction on 15 November 15 2001 (PBA Galleries, Sale 231, “Edgar Rice Burrough: the collection of Ed Gilbert). 

Condition: The Book with a light lean, spine toned with the foot pushed and crown frying expertly mended. Lettering is still vibrant and boards’ edgewear minimal. Top edge soiled, heavy offsetting to free endpapers, front hinge weak but holding well, pages clean and free of any marks but for the usual age toning. Very good.

The dust jacket, very difficult to find in collectable condition, is a lovely example, unrestored but for two pinpoint holes and a mended short tear, unclipped, bright and totally unfaded with a hint of edgewear and soiling to the delicate ivory panels, with four closed tears the longest being 1,8 cm. None of them affects any lettering. Very good plus.

In 1927 Tarzan and the Golden Lion became a successful FBO movie directed by J.P. McGowan. It stars James Pierce  in his only on-screen appearance as Tarzan. The next year, he married the daughter of ERB, and the two went on to perform the voices of Tarzan and Jane in a Tarzan radio series from 1932 to 1936. The movie also stars Dorothy Dunbar as Jane, Edna Murphy as Betty Greystoke, D’Arcy Corrigan as Weesimbo  It also stars Boris Karloff as Owaza, a tribesman.