Leon Trotsky My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography 1930 Scribner HC Illus For Sale

LEON TROTSKY — MY LIFE: AN ATTEMPT AT AN AUTOBIOGRAPHYCharles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1930.FIRST AMERICAN EDITION — FIRST PRINTINGAn important early American edition of Leon Trotsky’s autobiography, published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1930.This copy is identifiable as the first American printing by the Scribner’s “A” on the copyright page, accompanied by the publisher’s device, as shown clearly in the photographs.Trotsky’s My Life is one of the major political autobiographies of the 20th century, recounting his childhood and education, revolutionary activity, imprisonment and exile, the Russian Revolution, rise of the Soviet state, conflict with Stalin, and eventual expulsion from the Soviet Union.Published in 1930 while Trotsky was himself living in exile, this first American edition has particular historical interest as an early contemporary edition of his own account of the events in which he played such an extraordinary role.The book retains its handsome original red cloth binding with gilt lettering, which remains notably bright and attractive.Illustrated with photographic plates, including the portrait captioned “Trotsky at Eighteen, When His Career as a Revolutionary Began.”PROVENANCEThis copy comes from the private library of Henry Walker Bagley and Nancy Reynolds Bagley and retains their attractive illustrated Ex Libris bookplate on the front pastedown.The bookplate remains exactly as found and has not been removed or altered. There is visible old adhesive staining surrounding portions of the bookplate.EDITION DETAILSLeon Trotsky
My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography
Charles Scribner’s Sons
New York
1930
First American Edition
First Printing
Scribner’s “A” and publisher’s device present on copyright page
Original red cloth with gilt lettering
Illustrated with photographic plates
Vintage Bagley/Reynolds Ex Libris bookplate
No dust jacketCONDITIONGood vintage condition for a book published in 1930.The original red cloth binding remains quite attractive, with strong color and bright gilt lettering. Exterior shows expected age-related rubbing, spotting, light soiling and shelf wear.The interior shows normal age toning and scattered spotting/marks. There is staining and evidence of old adhesive around the Ex Libris bookplate and some staining/marks to the endpaper areas, all photographed.Illustrated plates remain present and attractive. Binding appears sound.No dust jacket.No attempt has been made to clean, restore or alter the book.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description and show the actual book being offered.A desirable first American edition / first printing of Trotsky’s autobiography, retaining its original red cloth binding and carrying interesting documented private-library provenance.An excellent addition to a collection of 20th-century history, Russian history, political history, revolutionary literature, Soviet history, first editions or Leon Trotsky material.