Presentation copy to Marilyn Monroe, star of the film, GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, 1925

Presentation copy to Marilyn Monroe, star of the film
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1925
MARILYN MONROE – LOOS, Anita (1889-1981). Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. New York: Boni and Liveright, 1925.

Marilyn Monroe’s copy—inscribed to her by the author—of the book that inspired the iconic musical in which she starred, first state of the first edition. Edith Wharton called Loos’s witty romp “The Great American Novel,” and the 1953 movie, adapted from the Broadway musical and starring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, immediately entered the canon of great American film. This copy was presented to Monroe by Loos, with the inscription: “To Marilyn Monroe / a true artist and / the greatest Lorelei of / all time—with my / gratitude and devotion / Anita Loos / Aug 4 – 1953.”

Octavo. Illustrations in the text (inscription on neatly inserted leaf). Publisher’s original red cloth with gilt title on upper board (lightly rubbed at caps and corners). Provenance: Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962; gift inscription).