Dewitt Samuel Aaron (3 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. 60pp; Stiff cardboard covers, covers slightly age-toned, slight foxing to endpapers, text unmarked, binding is tight, VG condition. Libretto for proposed opera about Francois Villon, "father of modern French poetry," as well as "thief, pander, liar, killer and calloused jailbird." The author (1891-1963) was a businessman, poet, playwright and politician who served as a New York State legislator representing the Bronx's 7th district from 1919 until he was expelled in 1920.

Condition: Very Good. FHL (cover art) (illustrator). First Edition. The Gershwins need not worry! 8vo. 21 by 16 cm. 20 poems, of "lyrics", of varied type -- all coming from a Socialist point-of-view. DeWitt was famously one of five Socialists expelled from the New York State Assembly in 1920 before even being sworn in, then winning back the seat in the follow up election only then to resign in protest. After that DeWitt became a perpetual political candidate and loser for various offices. As a Socialist, he was not doctrinaire; an admirer of Lenin, he didn't deify him, and he was something of an iconoclast within Leftist circles, although that may not be so evident in this collection of poems. The wraps have light soiling, some crease lines, and a few small chips -- a corner, bits of spine. A few light stains on the pages within. Wraps. Folded sheet of light card. Stapled.

Soft cover. Condition: Fair. back cover is chipped at edge with minor loss, inscribed in 1937 by the author. Inscribed by Author(s).