Signed by Laurel and Hardy, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby et al - Top of the Bill: The Story of the London Palladium
Language: English
Published by Frederick Muller, London, 1952
- First Edition
- Signed
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Northern Lights Rare Books and Prints, Sastamala, FinlandNorthern Lights Rare Books and Prints
AbeBooks seller since January 16, 2020
Condition: Used - Very good
£ 2,975.43
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
A remarkable copy of this history of the UK's most famous variety theatre. Likely one of several purchased by the Palladium at the time of publication and rebound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe with several blank signing sheets at each end of the book. Presumably intended as keepsakes, gifts or presentation copies for staff and distinguished visitors. This particular copy has been presented to a former Stage Door Keeper upon his retirement in 1974 and at the first blank leaf is inscribed to him by name by two of his colleagues. The second of these reads, "Dear George - Here follows a few memories - long may you enjoy them!". Four of the following few leaves are either wholly or partially signed by a variety of international performers and personalities associated directly with the theatre. Principle amongst the latter is the autograph of impresario and Palladium managing director, VAL PARNELL. It was Parnell's television show, "Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium" which launched the Beatles to national stardom following their appearance on the show. Amongst the British performers to have signed the book can be counted Palladium stalwarts PAT KIRKWOOD, GRACIE FIELDS, and EDDIE KNOX & CHARLES NAUGHTON from "The Crazy Gang". Actors and Comedians TERRY THOMAS, ALFRED MARKS, MICHAEL BENTINE (The Goon Show founding member) and JERRY DESMONDE are present while the world of music is represented by band leader and impresario JACK HYLTON and Welsh singer DONALD PEERS. Danish actor/singer CARL BRISSON features as does the performer known as "the father of modern ventriloquism", FRED RUSSELL - also the father of Val Parnell as it happens. From across the Atlantic, STAN LAUREL and OLIVER HARDY have added their signatures as have BOB HOPE and BING CROSBY. These last two are rarely seen together - to have all four autographs in the same book is next to miraculous. BETTY HUTTON has signed the book as has influential singer/songwriter, JOHNNIE RAY. From further afield, the internationally renowned mentalist double-act, THE PIDDINGTONS, have added their signatures to the book. To this day, Sydney and Lesley Piddington are considered to be one of the greatest two-person telepathy acts of all time and were an absolute sensation - particularly in the UK - in their day. The book itself has been signed by the author at the title page. Bound in 3/4 green morocco gilt with raised bands at the spine, top edge gilt, pp. 254, illustrated with black and white photographs. Sunned at the backstrip and split at the joints at both the lower and upper compartments. Minor stains to the marbling at both covers. Some scarring to the top-edge gilt. Corners rubbed a little with small loss of leather. The text-block has tanned with age and there are occasional spots in some margins. It is likely that the book has not been particularly well stored over the entirety of the intervening years, with some traces of damp-staining noticeable at the bottom edge - not affecting the text or autographs. Firmly bound still and in VG condition overall or very near it. As an item of Variety or West End Theatre memorabilia there can be few more pleasing and delightful items currently available. The inclusion of Laurel & Hardy's autographs - very rarely found in a published book - adds particular poignancy given that the signing must have taken place during their farewell tour of the UK's theatres in 1952. An exceptional collection and book.…
Seller Inventory # 1901200840
Bibliographic details
- Title
- Signed by Laurel and Hardy, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby et al - Top of the Bill: The Story of the London Palladium
- Author
- Bevan, Ian
- Publisher
- Frederick Muller, London
- Publication year
- 1952
- Condition
- Very Good
- Signed
- Signed by Author(s)
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Printing
- 1st Printing
- Seller catalogs
- Author-Signed First Editions, Autographs and Manuscripts, Popular Culture
Northern Lights Rare Books and Prints
Sastamala, Finland
AbeBooks seller since January 16, 2020
Shipping rates from Finland to U.S.A.
| Item | 8 to 14 business days | 8 to 14 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 0.00 | £ 0.00 |
Payment methods
- Bank Wire Transfer
Store description
Choice items for the discerning book-lover and collector with an emphasis on autograph material, the hard-to-find and unusual. Visit our website at www.northernlightsrarebooksandprints.com for an exclusive peek at our latest acquisitions and special offers.
Specialty
First editions and autograph material, prints and photographsSeller's business information
Northern Lights Rare Books and Prints
Finland
Terms of sale
Sean Macnamara
Northern Lights Rare Books
Tervamäenraitti 18
38460 Sastamala
tel 00358 40 3580134
email: northernlightsrarebooks@gmail.com
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