SIGNED CONTRACT FOR ONE OF P.G. WODEHOUSE’S EARLIEST WORKS:  “PICCADILLY JIM”

WODEHOUSE, P[ELHAM] G[RENVILLE] (1881-1975) English writer of novels, short stories, and musical theater. Scarce Typed Contract Signed, “P.G. Wodehouse”.  3 full pages, tall folio.  August 10th, 1916.   The document reads in part:

“Memorandum of agreement made…between P.G. Wodehouse, in care of Paul R Reynolds, #70 Fifth Ave, New York City, New York, partly of the first part, hereinafter called the Author, and Dodd. Mead & Company, of New York City, New York, partly of the second part, hereinafter called the Publishers. In consideration of the covenants and stipulations hereinafter contained, the Author hereby grants and assigns to the Publishers the right of book publication in the United States of America and Canada of an unpublished work, the subject or title of which is ‘Piccadilly Jim….”

 

The remainder of the document spells out the terms and conditions of publication and the royalty rates on any sales from the book sales.  Any contract for an early published work, by an established author like whom Wodehouse was in the process of becoming, commands great attention whenever they appear.                                                                   

 

$3500.00