Goodbye To The Past. Scenes From The Life Of William Meadows.

W. R. BURNETT

Publication: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1934, New York

First edition. 8vo. Red cloth, with titles stamped in black and gray on spine and front panel, some faint, scattered soil to spine and panels, with a few foxed spots to text edges, else a near fine copy in dust jacket lightly rubbed along joints and spine ends, a few short edge tears, along with a 1" closed tear to top edge of front dust jacket, else near fine. Inscribed in the month after publication to Edward G. Robinson and his wife: "August 29, 1934 / For Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Robinson, sincere best wishes / W.R. Burnett." A significant copy of this early western novel connecting Burnett and Robinson, who played the iconic role of Rico in the 1931 film Little Caesar, based on Burnett's 1929 debut novel. Set against the backdrop of the American West during a time of change, Goodbye to the Past follows William Meadows, a man whose life is shaped by the rugged landscapes, hard work, and shifting fortunes of the frontier. As he grows from an ambitious young man into adulthood, Meadows faces personal losses, family obligations, and difficult choices that test his resilience and character. His journey reflects the fading of the old West as communities become more settled and modern, forcing him to reconcile his youthful dreams with the realities of a changing world. A terrific contemporary inscription, and one of the best Burnett association copies we've seen or handled. An exceptional copy.