[Item #4035] Valentino. Irving Shulman, Rudolph Valentino.
Valentino
Valentino
Valentino

Valentino

New York, NY: Trident Press, 1967. First Edition. Hardcover. "Beginning with (Rudolph) Valentino's funeral, an extravaganza which turned New York City into an utter bedlam and was staged by the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Church with a splendor hitherto unrivaled by even Hollywood, Irving Shulman traces, with wry humor and a sociologist's abiding interest in strange tribal customs, the creation of the myth of the Great Lover." (from front flap) A biography of Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926), one of Hollywood's original superstars & sex symbols. The celebrity cult surrounding Valentino caused mass hysteria at his elaborate funeral following his sudden & early death, & continued for decades- his name is synonymous with a legendary phenomenon. The author, Irving Shulman (1913-1995) was a noted novelist, biographer & Hollywood screenwriter. The book is divided into acts & scenes in the manner of a screenplay, beginning with the funeral (kind of Citizen Kane-style). With a section of vintage images. Hardcover in clipped dust jacket, first edition. A notable myth-busting chronicle of the larger-than-life, stranger-than-fiction true saga of the "Latin Lover." Book in very fine condition with only very slight rubbing & fading to front, back covers & esp. spine; light wear & a few tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; very slight scratching & fading to purple-dyed upper edge of text block; one small, very faint spot-stain at lower edge of same near spine. Interior very fine with only bleeding dye at thin upper edges of page leaves (a slight flaw as issued); otherwise substantially mint. Dust jacket fine with mild rubbing & some short, faint creases to front, back covers, spine & flaps; mild wear, some tiny bumps & very short, closed tears at edges & corners of same. An extra handling fee will be added for shipping due to the weight of this item. Very Fine / Fine. [Item #4035]

Price: $40.00