RED PONY by Steinbeck, John - 1945

New York: Viking, 1945. Fine in near-fine slipcase.. First illustrated edition, inscribed by Steinbeck to Joyce Gates Buck, the wife of Jules Buck, who had collaborated with Steinbeck on the screenplay for Elia Kazan's VIVA ZAPATA. First published in 1937 with no illustrations and with 3 stories, the first illustrated edition contains an additional story not in the 1937 edition. Inscribed trade editions are rare, this signed, inscribed association copy is exceptional. 9.5'' x 6.5''. Original tan cloth with green rules, pictorial paste-on. Pictorial endpapers. All edges green. In original tan slipcase. Illustrated with wonderful full page and smaller color lithographs by Wesley Dennis. Inscribed by Steinbeck on the title page: "For Joyce with love / [signed] John Steinbeck / Horses aren't much on the smartness - but they're nice. Maybe that's why." Additionally signed by Steinbeck on the fly leaf. Bookplate of Jules and Joyce Buck laid in. Housed in a custom cloth box. Slight split to slipcase, still sound.