Authentic artist’s signature in 1st ed / 1st print Hunter S Thompson book?
I recently acquired this copy of Hunter S. Thompson’s “Songs of the Doomed: More Notes on the Death of the American Dream / Gonzo Papers Vol. 3” — 1st ed/1st printing (Summit Books 1990). It’s hardcover but has no dust jacket. Spine has wear but pages in great condition and, despite the one area of major spinal flaw, pages seem securely attached.
It appears the book was signed by Ralph Steadman, who worked closely with Thompson as a collaborative artist.
The signature page is interesting because it is on the printed “Note from Ralph Steadman” page, dated 20th July 1990.
My research has not found that the first edition / printing run included a consistent signature, so I think this is unique.
My research has also shown that Steadman’s authentic signatures can be somewhat inconsistent across time and context. This one looks very similar to other authenticated signatures where he incorporates some artist elements that are individual to Steadman’s artistry.
I bought this at a unique retailer that has various vendors who are not present at their stations while shopping. Each vendor rents a small space in this large “open market” kind of setting in rural southeast Ohio.
Let me know what you think!