New York: Farrar Straus and Giroux, 2001. Hardcover. First American Edition, first printing. INSCRIBED and dated by the author to Mel Gussow on the title page: "To Mel / Many thanks / Miranda Carter / 13 Feb 2002." Laid in is an autographed letter signed by the publisher's Director of Publicity, Jeff Seroy, on the director's own stationery: "Mel / Thank You / We're all set for tea for February 12 at 4 PM / Place to be arranged / Best / J / 2-12-02." Gussow was a theatre critic and cultural writer for The New York Times from 1969 until his death in 2005. He authored 8 books, served as editor for many others, and his reviews and interviews (with the likes of Arthur Miller, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Tom Stoppard) became staples of students and fans of theatre for decades. His first published review was Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1962, leading to a lifelong relationship with the playwright that resulted in a biography of Albee by Gussow, published in 1999. Gussow published his review of "His Lives" in 2002. About Fine and unread in a Near Fine dust jacket. An attractive copy, and a great association. [Book #117851]