Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

The cover for "Gentleman Prefer Blondes," featuring a simple illustration of a smiling young woman between two well-dressed men.Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: The Intimate Diary of a Professional Lady was a publishing sensation in the 1920s. Penned by the experienced screenwriter Anita Loos, it chronicles the absurd life of a naive and dim-witted flapper as she rises through society. It has been reported that Loos was inspired to write the novel after watching a young woman of less-than-stellar intellect woo the great curmudgeon of the 1920s, H. L. Mencken.

Rauner Library is fortunate to have not only the first edition of this comic masterpiece but also Anita Loos' typescript copy of the 1926 Broadway staging.  It was scripted anew in 1953 for Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe.

"... kissing your hand may make you feel very very good but a diamond and safire bracelet lasts forever."

Come to Rauner and see it yourself by asking for Rare Book PS3523.O557 G4 1925.

No comments :

Post a Comment