"A GRIM ACCOUNT": LARRY MCMURTRY'S 1995 ADDRESS TO THE ANTIQUARIAN BOOKSELLER'S ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY HIM

MCMURTRY, Larry. Splendors & Miseries of Being an Author-Bookseller. [New York]: (Antiquarian Bookseller's Association of America, 1995). Octavo, staple-bound, original printed paper wrappers; pp. [12]. $750.

First edition of this address delivered to the antiquarian book trade regarding McMurtry's experiences as both an author and a long-time bookseller, one of only 750 copies, inscribed by him on the title page: "For Roswitha, a grim account, Larry McMurtry."

In this address to antiquarian booksellers at the ABAA's 1995 annual meeting in Chicago, McMurtry discusses his career selling books, as well as his thoughts regarding seeing his own books, letters, and movie scripts being bought and sold in the trade. "I continued as a bookseller and have had mostly pleasant relations with the book trade, though always with an edge of nervousness… I've accepted that I will be traded in, and that fact will remain a ripple, if not a determinative ripple, in my relations with friends in the trade who sell modern first editions." He also describes two small editions that he had produced, "to create bibliographical enigmas, puzzles, and mazes, in which booksellers can wander for the rest of their lives, if they choose." The present pamphlet with its small print run of only 750 copies, could easily qualify as another such enigma. Recipient Roswitha Mott is a member of the family that has run the antiquarian book business Howard S. Mott since 1936. McMurtry's well-known engagement with the rare book trade began in his twenties as a book scout, and he ran his own book store, Booked Up, for over 40 years.

Fine condition. Very scarce inscribed.