Signed book: 20 Hrs. 40 Min.: Our Flight in Friendship. Limited “Author’s autograph edition” of 150 copies (this copy No. 139). NY: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1928. Hardcover, 6.5 x 10, 374 pages. Signed in fountain pen on the limitation page “Amelia M. Earhart.” The book retains its original 2.5 x 2 silk American flag, housed in a cellophane pocket on the inside front cover, described thus on the limitation page: “Each copy contains one of the small silk flags which Miss Earhart carried in the ‘Friendship’ from Boston to Wales.” The flight in question took place in June 1928. Earhart had earlier been contacted by publishing heir George P. Putnam when, induced by wealthy socialite sponsor Amy Guest, he sought a suitable candidate as the first female to make a transatlantic flight. Though Earhart made the historic journey only as a passenger and “log keeper”—she later described her role as “just baggage, like a sack of potatoes”—she indeed was the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air. Four years later she bested her own record by making the same flight as solo pilot—the first female to accomplish this feat. In the wake of worldwide publicity following Earhart’s first crossing, Putnam managed her career as a speaker and endorser and published two of her books, including the present volume. Their professional relationship deepened into a personal one, and the two were wed on February 7, 1931. Also included, affixed with corner tabs beneath the flag, is a candid 2.75 x 4.25 photo of Earhart walking past a building on which is visible a sign reading, somewhat ironically, “Men Pilots.” In very good condition, with light wear to binding, front hinge partially torn and slightly loose (easily restorable), corner tabs to inside front cover as noted, and adhesive remnants to front free end page. The signed page is clean and completely unaffected. Copies of this volume, one of the most desirable and avidly sought examples of Earhartiana, are quite elusive. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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