Description
Author: Noël Coward
Title: Present Indicative
Publisher: Doubleday, Doran & Company, 1937
Edition: First American Edition
Binding: Hardcover with dust jacket, protected in Brodart
Condition: Near Fine
Description
Step into the witty, glamorous world of Noël Coward, one of the twentieth century’s most iconic playwrights, actors, and composers. Present Indicative is not just an autobiography—it’s Coward at his best: sharp, elegant, self-aware, and impossibly charming. His reflections on life, theatre, fame, and the constellation of legendary personalities around him make this book a pure delight for anyone who loves classic theatre, golden-age culture, or impeccably told life stories.
This is the kind of book I love to offer in my shop: a true treasure from the 1930s with its original dust jacket fully intact and now lovingly protected in Brodart. The condition is genuinely fine—remarkably so for its age—which makes it a standout piece for collectors. If you appreciate books that carry the glamour and sophistication of their era, you will not be disappointed.
Why This Edition Matters
This 1937 first American edition is increasingly scarce, especially in such high-grade condition. Early autobiographical works by Coward form the cornerstone of theatre collections, and this volume reflects the transatlantic cultural influence he wielded. Though distinctly British, Coward shaped American theatre profoundly—his plays became Broadway standards, and his voice helped define the modern theatrical sensibility.
For bibliophiles and Coward enthusiasts alike, this copy represents both literary history and aesthetic joy. It’s a wonderful display piece and an unforgettable gift for anyone who cherishes the stage, mid-century culture, or Coward’s unmistakable brilliance.
