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[Modern Library Collection]. The William A. Strutz extensive collection of 266 volumes published by The Modern Library, 1939... (Total: 266 Items)
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Description
[Modern Library Collection]. The William A. Strutz extensive collection of 266 volumes published by The Modern Library, 1939-63.Uniform 8vo sizes, original bindings, 262 (of 266) works in original dust jackets.
The present collection primarily consists of books published during a pivotal period of the Modern Library and can be determined based on the bindings of stiff boards covered in linen with dark inset panels on front and spine depicting title, author, and Modern Library logo. Many of the dust jackets are pictorial, in very good to very fine condition, and with all but four books out of the 266 titles without a dust jacket. 33 books, (and their jackets) were determined to be first Modern Library editions and a select few are first editions in dust jacket or book. 44 books belong to the "Giant" series and are in equal condition to those of the main series.
The Modern Library was founded in spring of 1917 by the publisher Boni & Liveright whose purpose was to provide inexpensive editions of literary works to the American public. Differing themselves from other reprint series such as "Everyman's Library" and "The World's Classics," The Modern Library not only reprinted older classics of the literally canon but modern works with agreements reached with original publishers. In 1925, The Modern Library was purchased by Bennett Cerf, a vice-president of Boni & Liveright at the time, and with a partnership with Donald S. Klopfer stewarded the publishing company for the next thirty-four years. During this prolific time, Modern Library books were staples to those interested in serious literary works as their availability, mass distribution, and lower price tag ensured their place in the American cultural marketplace. Eventually reorganized as Random House, Inc. in 1936, The Modern library became a subsidiary of its offspring and still publishes works to this day under the imprints of Penguin Random House Inc.
The chronology of The Modern Library can be seen in the various bindings, endpapers, and dust jackets of their main line collection as well as their Giant-sized offerings. The first major update to The Modern Library came the same year as its purchase by Cerf & Klopfer in the creation of the "Torchbearer" logo by designer Lucien Bernhard. While the logo would undergo many stylistic and design changes over the decades, the core motif has never wavered. In 1929, artist Rockwell Kent designed the endpapers that would be used for every single Modern Library release until 1967. Many different bindings have also been used throughout their publication and can be used to determine the period in which an individual book was released. Dust jackets also periodically changed throughout a book's life in the Modern Library catalog and primarily fell into the following three categories: typographical, pictorial, or design.
Given its size, scope and exceptional condition, the Strutz Modern Library collection offers a unique opportunity for both the established collector of the series, as well as those looking to establish a strong foundation for building one.
Condition: Overall, a remarkably fine collection, with minimal rubbing and wear to binding extremities (one volume slightly damaged); dust jackets very fresh from having been preserved (folded) separately until presently being replaced on each volume in archival mylar sleeves; some spine panels, as result, with creasing; minimal edgewear overall, some jackets with minor wear to extremities with tiny chips or short tears. Early bookplate of William A. Strutz in most volumes. Complete list of ML titles/condition available on request.
Provenance: From the William A. Strutz Library.
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Auction Info
2025 September 10 - 11 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part III, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6321 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2025
10th-11th
Wednesday-Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 8
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 985
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
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