Tales of a Wayward Inn and Do Not Disturb

New York: Frederick A. Stokes, 1938, 1940. First Editions. Two classic books of essays on New York nightlife, published in 1938 and 1940 respectively.

"Tales of a Wayward Inn" is INSCRIBED by the book's dedicatee, Robert Davis, on the front endpaper: "This first edition of Tales of a Wayward Inn is forced upon Mrs. John Charles Thomas by her admirer / Bob Davis / Chesapeake Bay / On board motor yacht Masquerader / Oct. 28, 1938." The second volume is unsigned.

Additionally laid into "Tales of a Wayward Inn" is an envelope containing a typed letter signed from Davis to Mrs. Thomas on the letterhead of the New York newspaper The Sun, dated November 2, 1938, introducing the book, cautioning Mrs. Thomas against sharing the book before its release on November 17, and discussing his recent trip to Baltimore, where he visited the Davis family to attend a vocal festival.

Frank Case was a hotelier who wrote extensively about his experiences owning and managing the Algonquin Hotel during the heyday of the Algonquin Round Table.

John Charles Thomas was an American opera singer who performed extensively in the United States and Europe throughout the early twentieth century.

"Tales of a Wayward Inn": Near Fine in a strong Very Good plus dust jacket. Jacket lightly edgeworn and rubbed, with a small spot of adhesive residue on the front flap.

"Do Not Disturb": Near Fine in an about Near Fine dust jacket. Jacket spine panel lightly faded.

[Book #156233]