LOT #45015 |
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Charles A. Siringo. A Cowboy Detective. A True Story of Twenty-Two Years with a World-Famous Detective Agency. C...
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Description
The Original Galleys of the Suppressed Text, with Corrections in Siringo's Hand
Charles A. Siringo. A Cowboy Detective. A True Story of Twenty-Two Years with a World-Famous Detective Agency. Chicago: W. B. Conkey, 1910. Galleys of the suppressed original text. "1910" printed on title page, and "Copyright, 1910 by Chas. A. Siringo" on copyright page. 8vo. 519pp, printed recto only. Portrait of Siringo in cape, later the frontispiece, in this copy follows the title page. Photographs. Bound in contemporary black buckram with gilt title on spine. Gilt dulled. Some minor rubbing to cloth. Two-inch split to front hinge. Some of the lightweight paper is crinkled. Rubber stamp of Pinkerton attorney John Brown is on the bottom page edges, front pastedown, title page, and throughout the text. Penciled corrections for the editor throughout, presumably in Siringo's hand. Bound-in at the rear is the decree enjoining Siringo and Conkey from using "Pinkerton" and other names in the text. Binding cracked at final page of decree. Mounted to rear pastedown is a letter to Mr. Brown dated 1960 from a man who describes Siringo as a "big liar" and suggests that Brown write a book about him. The book is quite sturdy and though the printing is of somewhat low quality (as is common with galleys), this unique item is in near-fine condition.When Charlie Siringo began his 22-year stint with the Pinkerton Detective Agency after years working as a cowboy, he signed a non-disclosure contract with his new employer, agreeing to never discuss or disclose company business outside the agency. When he left the Pinkertons and wrote a book recounting his experiences during the time he was a detective, the agency immediately filed a cease-and-desist order against Siringo and his publisher, successfully blocking the book's publication.
The item offered here is one of only two sets of galley proofs struck by the publisher, and it is the copy that Siringo provided to the Pinkertons to demonstrate his compliance with the agreed-upon terms in which fictitious names were to be substituted for real ones. This is Pinkerton attorney John A Brown's copy. Bound in at the end of the text is a 5-page printed copy of the decree issued by the Superior Court of Cook County, Illinois, enjoining Siringo against using the Pinkerton name in print. The legal dispute and injunction delayed for two years the publication of the book originally titled Pinkerton's Cowboy Detective, and the experience embittered Siringo against his former employer for the years that followed.
A truly exceptional item from a pivotal - and personally infuriating - period in Charlie Siringo's colorful literary career. Ex Ben E. Pingenot.
References: Eberstadt 105:279. Graff 3802. Herd 2072. Howes S517. Six-Guns 2026.
Auction Info
2009 November Signature Texana Auction #6028 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2009
21st
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,306
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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