The Importance of Wearing Clothes.

LANGNER, Lawrence [John Steinbeck].

$2,500.00

Item Number: 111852

New York: Hastings House Publishers, 1959.

First edition of this entertaining history of clothing and its impact on the human condition. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated. The dedication copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To John Steinbeck-whose interest in the book when half written encouraged me to complete it. And to Elaine Steinbeck with love to you both Lawrence Lagner Nov 5/ 1959.” From the library of John Steinbeck. With an introduction by James Laver. Near fine in a very good dust jacket.

Lawrence Langner was a playwright, author, and producer who also pursued a career as a patent attorney. He founded the Guild Theatre, where he supervised over 200 productions. Elaine Steinbeck was an actress in the theatre and met Langner at that time. They continued to be in similar circles after her marriage to Steinbeck. The Importance of Wearing Clothes is an erudite and entertaining history of clothing and its impact on the human condition.