[GERSHWIN, George (1898-1937)]. GOLDBERG, Isaac (1887-1938). George Gershwin: A Study in American Music. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1931.

Presentation copy of the first edition, inscribed by Gershwin to friend and ‘Over the Rainbow’ composer Harold Arlen: ‘For Harold Arlen Wishing him continued success. With admiration George Gershwin Sept. 18, 1934’. Further inscribed on two plates by Ira Gershwin (1896-1983).

Goldsberg’s monograph was the first serious study of Gershin’s work and provides a detailed view of his compositions. The recipient of this copy, Harold Arlen, was a prolific composer of popular music and composed the songs for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. ‘Gershwin found his own heir in Harold Arlen, who became not only a good friend but, along with Vernon Duke, probably as much of a protege as he ever had. Intrigued by such early Arlen songs as "Get Happy" (1930) and "Stormy Weather" (1933), Gershwin no doubt appreciated the music's striking absorption of the blues and jazz. Though indebted to his own work, this music set a new tone among popular songwriters, one that [...] might have exerted some influence of Porgy and Bess' (Pollack). Howard Pollack, George Gershwin: His Life and Work.

Octavo. (A few margins lightly marked.) Frontispiece reproduction of a self-portrait by the composer, several photographic plates. Original blue cloth, spine lettered and decorated in silver and red, upper cover with silver stamp of Gershwin’s signature, endpapers featuring a photographic illustration of Gershwin's Stadium Concert, 26 August 1929 (light wear); original pictorial dust-jacket (slightly darkened and thumb-marked, corners clipped and price erased in pen, a few small areas of restoration); custom blue quarter morocco box. Provenance: Harold Arlen (1905-1986; authorial inscription on frontispiece).