SIGNED ELIZABETH TAYLOR | FIRST EDITION OF NATIONAL VELVET (1935) | WITH REZNIKOFF COA
A remarkable convergence of literary and Hollywood history: a true first edition of Enid Bagnold's beloved equestrian classic, National Velvet (New York: William Morrow & Company, 1935), signed by Elizabeth Taylor as "Elizabeth Taylor Warner," dating the inscription to her marriage to Senator John Warner (1976 to 1982).
 
Published nearly a decade before Taylor's unforgettable breakthrough performance as Velvet Brown, this volume represents the novel that launched one of cinema's most enduring legends. Cast in the title role at just 12 years old, Taylor's performance in the 1944 film adaptation transformed her into an international star. She later described National Velvet as "the most exciting film" of her career.
 
Condition: 8vo. 303 pages - Publisher's cloth boards with silver print and decoration to the front and spine. Light edgewear with spine ends softened. A previous owner's bookplate is affixed to the front pastedown. The interior shows the expected age toning, with minor isolated discoloration adjacent to the signature. The book retains its original dust jacket with the $2.50 price. Chipping to the fold and spine tips and a few small tears. Overall, the volume presents in very good or better condition, an exceptional state of preservation for a first edition of this title.
 
Accompanying the book is a Certificate of Authenticity from John Reznikoff, one of the world's foremost autograph experts and a premier authenticator for PSA, JSA (James Spence Authentication), and leading international auction houses.
 
An outstanding collectible that unites a landmark work of literature with the signature of the actress whose career became forever intertwined with it. An exceptional centerpiece for collectors of rare books, Hollywood memorabilia, or Elizabeth Taylor.