Dinner at Antoine's by Frances Parkinson Keyes (First Edition, Dust Jacket), 1948 ⚜️📜🏛️
1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️
This is a first edition of "Dinner at Antoine's," a classic American novel by the best-selling author Frances Parkinson Keyes. Published in 1948, this book is a captivating work of fiction that delves into the social and cultural heart of New Orleans.
Complete with its original dust jacket, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of American literature or historical fiction.
2. About the Book 📖✍️✨
"Dinner at Antoine's" is a work of fiction that masterfully blends a compelling murder mystery with an intimate portrayal of New Orleans society. The novel's plot revolves around the suspicious death of a prominent socialite during a dinner party at the legendary Antoine's Restaurant.
As the narrative unfolds, the book provides a rich tapestry of the city's unique culture, from its aristocratic old families to its traditions of hospitality and cuisine. This first edition, with its elegant design, captures the sophistication and charm of a bygone era.
3. About the Author ✍️🏛️
Frances Parkinson Keyes (1885-1970) was an American author of historical fiction and travel memoirs. A prolific and widely-read writer, her novels were often set in real locations, which she researched meticulously, a practice that gave her work a strong sense of authenticity.
She was a celebrity in her time and was known for her ability to tell a compelling story that was both historically accurate and entertaining.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in 1948, this book is a "time capsule" of a post-war America looking for a sense of normalcy and tradition. The book's setting in New Orleans, with its focus on history and culture, provided a welcome sense of timelessness for readers.
The book was published at a time when America was grappling with the aftermath of World War II and a growing desire for comfort and stability. It reflects a cultural moment where a sense of tradition and social order was highly valued.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a curator of American fiction, a scholar of Southern history, or a private collector of narrative fiction. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book for its literary merit and its status as a significant cultural artifact.
The book appeals to those who are interested in the intersection of American literature and the social history of the South.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
As a true first edition of a best-selling novel, this book is a collectible item. While not exceptionally rare, a well-preserved first printing in this condition is more scarce than a mass-produced later edition. The presence of the original dust jacket, with its classic design, significantly adds to its value. The value is a direct reflection of the book's historical significance, its physical integrity, and the scarcity of a copy with its original dust jacket.
This book is approximately 77 years old.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages. The original dust jacket is present and shows some very minor shelf wear, which is expected for a book of this age.
The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library. This book contains no inscriptions or unique markings.
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
Frances Parkinson Keyes lived in New Orleans for six months while writing the book to ensure its accuracy. The book was so popular that it was adapted into a 1950 film starring the actress Gene Tierney.
The book's narrative inspired many readers to visit Antoine's Restaurant, a New Orleans landmark since 1840.
9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
Title: Dinner at Antoine's
Author/Maker: Frances Parkinson Keyes
Year:1948
Publisher/Foundry: Julian Messner, Inc.
Place of Origin: New York, USA
Format/Binding: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Edition: First Edition
Rarity: Rare
