A MILLION AND ONE NIGHTS:  A HISTORY OF THE MOTION PICTURE

THE LIMITED DELUXE EDITION, BOLDLY SIGNED BY THOMAS EDISON

A Million and One Nights:  A History of the Motion Picture.  One of only 372 copies (this is copy twenty-four), Boldly Signed by Thomas Edison under his opening statement / preface supporting the production of this book, and by the principle author:  Terry Ramsaye on the stated limitation page. Published by: Simon and Schuster, New York, 1926.  First edition thus.  Two heavy and thick volumes, quarto (approx 10 3/8 x 6 6/8 inches).  400 numbered pages in vol 1, and vol 2 is numbered 401-868.  Illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographic reproductions. In the original publisher’s deluxe quarter leather over textured paper boards, [which appears to be a more ‘deluxe’ version of this limited edition]. A large paper copy, with edges untrimmed. Minor edge wear to covers as seen, otherwise, a very clean copy throughout. Edison’s statement reads:

“This, I believe, to be the first endeavor to set down the whole and true story of the motion picture.  I have been in contact with the author’s researches through his years of preparation. I am aware of an unrelenting effort at exact fact. A high degree of detailed accuracy has been attained. Ramsaye’s theories, opinions and deduction are his own.  Thos A Edison”

 

This book is often referred to as the first “official history of cinema”, written by film journalist Terry Ramsaye. In this two volume set, he presents a detailed picture of the early development of film as seen from the developments made by Edison to the cinematic process.  There is an extensive write up of Edison’s early Kinetograph and his “Black Maria” (the first studio to be built specifically for making commercial films) in the development of the motion picture industry through 1925. Just an alluring set for the movie buff, the Edison collector, or the signed book collector! 

 

$4500.00