Burroughs, Edgar Rice (1918) ‘Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar’, US first edition with signed contract between the publisher and Burroughs

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1918) ‘Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar‘, US first edition, first printing, published by McClurg & Co. With the original publication contract between the author and McClurg, signed by Edgar Rice Burroughs, his wife as witness, and the Vice-President of McClurg. Also included, the original prospectus postcard used for the promotion of the book.

Condition of the book: The book is square and tight; binding strong with the pages 168-169 lightly over opened; lettering bright, boards clean, corners sharp and spine tips a little pushed. A shadow of offset to the paste downs, otherwise pages clean and unmarked. The dust jacket is bright, complete and unrestored, with moderate edgewear and associated minor chipping and creasing, a few spots of rubbing and associated closed tears along the folds, a faint crease along the front flap and back panel a bit soiled. 

The contract: Typed Signed Agreement for the publication of Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar. Dated 28 March 1918 (the book was released on 20 April). Two typed pages, rectos only, 4to (330 x 210 mm). The manuscript is to be published in book form and sold at retail for $1.35. Burroughs is to receive royalties of 15% of all copies sold and .05 cents for every “cheap reprint” that is sold. Signed by Burroughs and countersigned by the vicepresident of A. C. McClurg, the publisher Joseph Bray, and Burroughs’ wife Emma Hulbert Burroughs.

Condition of the contract: Folded with mild edgewear and one closed edge tear 2 cm long not affecting  the text. Very good.

A unique set of the fifth Tarzan novel, in great condition.