THE SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS

1941. WRIGHT, Harold Bell. THE SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS. NY: Grosset & Dunlap, [1941]. Small 8vo., lime-green cloth in dust jacket with a image of John Wayne holding a rifle with Betty Field clutching his leg. First Edition thus. A Photoplay Edition issued in 1941 to coincide with the release of the Paramount movie, starring John Wayne, Betty Field, Harry Carey and directed by Henry Hathaway. Originally published in 1907, Wright said that there was only one character in the novel based on a real person, that person was "Uncle Ike," the postmaster at Notch, Missouri, whose real name was Levi Morrill [1837-1926]. This copy has the post office cancellation stamp from Notch, MO with "Le[vi] Morrill, P.M. and postmarked Aug. 22, 1926"- the day Morrill died. Apparently his family saved his post office dauber from that day and used it to stamp this copy. Also signed by his son, Oscar R. Morrill, on the same page. With a pencil notation stating that Oscar signed and stamped this copy on Sept. 17, 1941. A unique copy! Very Good (covers bright; contents clean & tight; very tiny stain fore-edge); minor wear d/j. $275.00.