THE JOY OF MUSIC
Simon and Schuster, 1959. First Edition. Hardcover with Dust Jacket. SIGNED on the FFEP by Leonard Bernstein and inscribed, 'Happy '90 to Stathis + Ralph / [Signed] / Xmas '89.' [10], 11-303pp, colophon. 8vo, gray cloth silver gilt lettering to spine and front cover with black blocked spine title and black stamped sillouette of Bernstein conducting. Some very faint toning to edges of the cloth and endpapers, else FINE, an exceedingly clean and sharp copy; 1' tear to front of DJ, tips rubbed with just a bit of loss, very clean and bright otherwise with price of $5.95 intact. Bernstein's first book centers around scripts from his wildly popular 'Omnibus' television shows, which he interprets, expands, and illustrates with photos and charts in addition to notation. In addition, his other essays on Jazz, Bach, Beethoven, and other subjects fully display his particular genius of communicating 'So that even the layman who cannot read a note of music will learn The Joy of Music.' Of particular note is this book's association with the prominent LA gay couple, Ralph Sylvester and Stathis Orphanos. In addition to Stathis's highly regarded photography, the two operated the great fine-press publishing concern, Sylvester & Orphanos. It was in California where Bernstein first lived openly as a gay man in the 70's and met Stathis and Ralph, signing this and two other books with a Christmas greeting. It would be his last Christmas before dying in October of 1990. NEAR FINE / Very Good. Item #505520
Price: $4,500.00