Elaine Steinbeck's Personal Library: Set 20 signed books by famous people of her day

A wonderful one-of-a-kind collection of 20 books from the personal library of Elaine Steinbeck, wife of John Steinbeck at the time of his death. This eclectic collection offers a rich and highly personal view into Elaine's interests and friendships.

Every book is signed by the author and most include wonderfully witty and heartfelt inscriptions -- and in some cases long letters -- to Elaine from a variety famous authors, playwrights, entertainers, scholars, and other notable people of her day such as actress Betty White, five-time Tony Award winner, playwright Terrance McNally, famous sports writer and author Dan Jenkins, author Patrick O'Brian of Master and Commander fame, and many more! Incredible associations all.

For example, Elaine was a dear friend to the late actress Betty White, who gifted Elaine this copy of her wonderful book The Leading Lady: Dinah's Story, which recounts the heart warming story of how Dinah, a guide dog, gave Tom Sullivan, blind since birth, his first taste of independence, and how Betty White took Dinah in when the dog grew to old to do her job.  Inscribed by White: "To Elaine - Who understand what friends are all about!  Love, Betty."  

Also includes a warm note on White's personal stationary:  "Dearest Elaine - How wonderful to hear form you! You are a love and I would give anything if we could sit and yak over a drink. Have been spending every off moment travelling on behalf of the book then rushing back to do Golden Girls. The The dust will soon settle and perhaps I can get back to terrorize you. In the meantime - tons of love. Here's the book in suestion. More love, Betty" 

And in 1969, from another dear friend, playwright Terrence McNally: 

"For Elaine,  Who had more to do with this than she will ever realize. I love you. And that's for life, Ter-le-beau."

And in two books from the late famous sports writer and author, Dan Jenkins:

From Jenkins' book "Life Itself": "For Elaine - God made me do this! Laughs and Love, Dan Jenkins"

From Jenkins' book "Baja Oklahoma": "To Elaine - If Tolstoy and Balzac had eaten fried steak the could have wrote like this!  Love, Dan Jenkins"   

Hardcovers all, except for Anything Your Heart Desires, Concise Guide to the Bible, and Cotswold Churches. All books near fine or better, with only minor wear, overall. All dust jackets present. All books internally fine, bright, clean and unmarred. Cotswold Churches softcover very good with bit of rubbing to spine as shown. Varying Octavo sizes. A truly lovely collection.