THE MAGICIAN OF LUBLIN, PRESENTATION ASSOCIATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY SINGER

SINGER, Isaac Bashevis. The Magician of Lublin. New York: Noonday, (1960). Octavo, original paper wrappers. $350.

Early paperback edition of Singer’s third novel in English, inscribed and signed by him on the half title to translator Elizabeth Shub: “To Libby with love, Isaac, N.Y., July 11, 1960,” with his sketch of a pig.

Singer’s tale of a 19th-century, Polish conjurer was “published serially as Der Kuntsnmakher fun Lublin in the Yiddish-language daily newspaper Forverts in 1959 and published in book form in English in 1960” (Britannica Online). Elizabeth Shub was an author, editor, and translator, and long-time friend to Singer. It was Shub who suggested to Singer that he write a children’s book. He agreed under the condition that she translate it; the result was the award-winning Zlateh the Goat. Singer’s inscription includes a small, whimsical sketch of a pig.

Light stains on fore-edge, text block starting, mild sunning to spine and rubbing to covers. A very good copy with a wonderful association.