The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald (Fifth Impression), 1945. 🐔🏡😂

1. Introduction 📜🔍

The Egg and I by the celebrated American author, Betty MacDonald. Published in 1945 by J. B. Lippincott Company, this volume is a cultural touchstone of the mid-20th century. Its status as a widely read classic and its unique ex-libris bookplate give it a documented history that makes it a highly desirable item for any serious collector of modern American literature.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

The Egg and I is a wildly successful and uproariously funny memoir that recounts Betty MacDonald's experiences attempting to run a chicken farm in Washington's Olympic Peninsula with her first husband. The book masterfully blends sharp wit and self-deprecating humor to tell a story of resilience in the face of rural hardship. It is a powerful and iconic narrative that transformed the author into a literary phenomenon, and it remains a testament to the human spirit's ability to find joy and humor even in the most difficult circumstances.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Betty MacDonald (1907-1958) was a beloved American author famous for her witty, autobiographical memoirs. The success of The Egg and I launched her literary career and led to the creation of the popular Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series for children. MacDonald’s writing, characterized by its cheerful perspective on hardship, transformed her personal tragedies—from surviving the Great Depression to battling tuberculosis—into best-selling stories that resonated with millions of readers.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1945, this book appeared at a pivotal moment in American history, on the cusp of the post-war era. MacDonald's memoirs were part of a popular movement of humorous, personal writing that provided a welcome escape from the hardships of the Depression and the trauma of the war. Her book is a cultural touchstone of the mid-20th century, capturing the era's attitudes toward self-reliance and the romantic ideal of a simple life.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a perfect fit for a collector of mid-century American literature, a fan of satirical or humorous fiction, or a bibliophile specializing in books with a documented ownership history. Its status as a fifth impression does not detract from its literary significance, and the book's "ex-libris" bookplate makes it a unique item for a collection focused on the personal stories behind books.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This is a well-preserved and uncommon fifth impression of a classic work. Its value is derived from its status as a beloved novel by a famous author. While a fifth impression is not as valuable as a first edition, its "ex-libris" bookplate adds a special personal history that is highly appealing to a collector who appreciates the story behind a book's ownership.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book shows signs of wear and age, as is common for a book of its era. The covers have some minor scuffing, but the binding is sound, and the pages are clean and well-preserved. There are no major tears or markings.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book has an "Ex-Libris" sticker from a previous owner on the inside front cover. This sticker, which is a key part of the book's history, documents its journey as a well-loved volume from the library of a previous owner.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The Egg and I was a groundbreaking literary sensation that spent 112 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

• The book was adapted into a 1947 film starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray, and it launched a series of popular "Ma and Pa Kettle" films.

• The author's journey from a difficult childhood in a family that moved frequently to a literary sensation is a testament to the power of her storytelling.

• The book’s success helped to launch MacDonald’s career and allowed her to write other popular works, including the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: The Egg and I

• Author: Betty MacDonald

• Year: 1945

• Publisher: J. B. Lippincott Company

• Place of Origin: New York, New York, USA

• Format: Hardcover

• Edition: Fifth Impression

• Rarity: Common