Puzo, Mario (1969) ‘Godfather’, US signed and inscribed first edition association copy

Mario Puzo (1969) ‘The Godfather‘, US first edition, first printing, published by Putnam. Signed and inscribed on the front free endpaper: “For Frankie Peters | now you owe | me two books | Mario”. Correct first printing, bound in white cloth with quarter black cloth, and the ‘Library of Congress Catalog’ and ‘Card Number: 69-11465’ with no indication of any reprints on the copyright page as called for. The book comes with a first edition of Puzo’s novel The Dark Arena (1955), published by Random House. It is inscribed on the front free endpaper: “For the whole Frankie | Peters Family including | sisters, brothers, nephews | and neices | Hope you all | all like the book | Mario Puzo”.

Provenance: Both books are inscribed to Frankie Peters, a woman who wrote and published various short stories in pulp magazines throughout the 1960s. Puzo published his own stories under the pen name Mario Cleri in said magazines and both authors became friends. However, whereas Puzo had his big brekathrough with Godfather in the late 60s, Peters would never publish her own novel. In the Godfether inscription Puzo alludes to her talent and encourages her to finally follow suit.

Condition: very good to near fine Godfather book without any previous owner’s scribbles and clean throughout. Boards and page block clean. Very good dust jacket which is not price clipped displaying the correct first state price of USD 6.95. Usual edge wear to folds. The Dark Arena in very good condition with light shelf wear. Good dust jacket with chips and tears.

Signed first editions of Godfather are exceptionally scarce, most often they are offered by dealers with a signature on bookplates or as ‘flat signed’ copies with dubious provenance at best. Our copy comes with a clear history and beautiful provenance.

The Godfather is a landmark novel which popularised the mafia genre. The famous 1972 Francis Ford Coppola film adaptation won three Oscars (including for Puzo for best adapted screenplay). The 1974 sequel earned six more Academy Awards and Puzo won again for the best adapted screenplay. Every male of a certain generation can quote several memorable lines from the movie/ book. Moreover, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Diane Keaton have been immortalised for their acting performances. A highly desirable and collectable book.