Steinbeck, John (1954) ‘Sweet Thursday’, US signed and inscribed first edition – association copy inscribed to Steinbeck’s typist and lover

John Steinbeck (1954), ‘Sweet Thursday’, US first edition, first printing, published by Viking.  Signed and inscribed on the front free endpaper by the author to his typist Mary Morgan: “Dear M.M. | Having deloused Wednesday, leave us face the future with courage, humility and money. | John Steinbeck” | Si no quieres volar – cuidado con las alas”, [translating to “If you don’t want to fly – be careful with the wings”]. Penned in blue ballpoint, Steinbeck first makes reference to the novel’s title (“the day after Lousy Wednesday” according to the dust jacket blurb), and then invents a humorous idiom regarding the future.

Condition: near fine book with a triffle of shelf wear and rubbing to edges. Housed in the original dust jacket with $3.50 price. Minor creasing to jacket with small paper loss on rear panel; very good condition dj.

Provenance: In 1958, Mary Morgan, a recently divorced Canadian socialite, moved to New York City to experience the social scene and pursue a career as an actress. While the heiress was living the life of a “struggling” actress in the big city, she was approached by a friend who asked her if she could type because an author friend of theirs was looking for a typist for an assignment. Of course she could type, and Mary decided to take on the venture. The author turned out to be John Steinbeck, and what was supposed to be a two-week assignment turned into an almost three-year professional and personal relationship. Lot 133, Bonhams 8 April 2025.