An afternoon of spring cleaning on a day that actually feels like the season, yielded a surprise. A charming copy of John Steinbeck’s The Red Pony surfaced like a fragile crocus finally breaking ground. This limited edition volume, published in 1937 by Covici Friede Publishers , shows signs of age and wear, but also bears the tiny sticker from New York’s famed Holliday Bookshop. A beloved shop that specialized in British and American literary works, Holliday became an institution over its 30-plus years in business.
Later this month we welcome Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw back to Sag Harbor. She’ll speak on Saturday, April 26 at 5 p.m. as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Grapes of Wrath. Our copy of The Red Pony is signed by Steinbeck and dedicated to his first wife Carol, (see also Shillinglaw’s Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage).
The osprey are back now reminding us of Steinbeck’s love/hate relationship with these mighty raptors. Mostly love. See his humorous essay “My War With the Osprey” reprinted in our Sag Harbor Is: a Literary Celebration. His “war” turns out to be a jousting match between two clever species, one human, one avian. Guess who wins?
I field a call from a friend considering entering the book business. What advice do I have? Well, considering it’s the first of the month, April Fool’s Day in fact, and our rent’s due, I advise extreme caution. Yet the appearance of The Red Pony feels hopeful. Our copy’s for sale. It’s number 535 of 699, signed and printed on handmade paper. What’s it worth to you?
The Canio's Books Blog 
0 Responses to “Steinbeck Spirit in Sag Harbor”