Strange Interlude
Hard Cover. New York: Boni & Liveright, 1928. First Edition. Very Good.
First edition, limited to 775 numbered copies, (this is number 623), signed by Eugene O'Neill. Full white vellum, front panel and spine lettered in gilt, bordered in teal, green morocco label to spine; lacking publisher slipcase. Moderate foxing to vellum, very light toning to edges of text block, interior clean and bright. Overall, a very good copy, sturdy and attractive. Eugene O'Neill's Pulitzer Prize-winning nine-act drama Strange Interlude follows the twists and turns of Nina Leeds' life over a quarter-century. Dealing with controversial subjects, including infidelity, abortion, and mental illness, the play was banned in many cities outside of New York. In response to Nina's beloved fiancé dying in World War I, she throws herself headlong into a series of unsuitable affairs, all the while denying herself what would make her truly happy. To give the audience a window into his character's inner thoughts, O'Neill heavily employs soliloquy, which became a trademark of the play. Strange Interlude was referenced in the 1930 Marx Brothers comedy Animal Crackers, when a character says, "Pardon me while I have a strange interlude" and proceeds to break the fourth wall to speak to the camera about his thoughts.
Item #EON009
Price: $250.00
