Item #31070 Mad Hatter's Village [CALIFORNIA / HOLLYWOOD NOVEL]. Mary Cavendish GORE.

Mad Hatter's Village [CALIFORNIA / HOLLYWOOD NOVEL]. New York: Alfred H. King, (1934).

First Edition. Arthur Hawkins Jr dustjacket art. Uncommon California set novel. "Here is Cosmo, bronzed giant of an Irishman, masochist, scholar poet and Hollywood fugitive, who in poverty awaits the result of a $10,000 literary prize contest which might give him opportunity to escape from wagging tongues. The restless Elspeth, victim of get rich quick fever..." A review of this title posted on the blog "Reading California" states: "A pedantic writer hopes that his latest novel will bring him fame and fortune. In the meantime he lives in a shack on a beach near Los Angeles and ekes out a living on his pension check from the British army. Despite its satirical edge, this is a plaintive story of a decent if talentless fellow who must cope with painful memories, unrealistic aspirations, and dire poverty. He tries to solve his problems by walling himself off emotionally, a strategy that fails in the novel’s surprise (and inadequately foreshadowed) ending. The protagonist, if not exactly likable, is credible and skillfully drawn. The same may be said for the girlfriend and the minor characters. In a just world this thoughtful and well written book would takes its place with other struggling-writer novels, such as Martin Eden and Ask the Dust." Almost Near Fine, small bookplate at front endpaper, in a Good dustjacket, lettering mostly faded at spine, dampstain to flap edges, inch wide strips of paper tape at verso of spine, top and lower edges.

Price: $225.00

See all items in California, Hollywood
See all items by