GONE WITH THE WIND, Illustrated Motion Picture Edition by Margaret Mitchell (1939 1st Thus 1st Printing, Illustrated Oversized Paperback)

• Author: Margaret Mitchell (1900-1949)
• Illustrations: 12 Movie Stills from Selznick International Pictures, Inc.
• Publisher: The Macmillan Company New York, NY U.S.A. 1940


"Gone With The Wind" is known both as the novel written by Margaret Mitchell (published in June, 1936) and the epic movie (released in December, 1939) of the same name. The book for sale is the first attempt to blend the two in a low-price popular offering, released along with the movie in December, 1939.

"Gone With The Wind" setting is in the Confederate South during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara (Viven Leigh), the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner, following her romantic pursuit of Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), who is married to his cousin, Melanie Hamilton (Olivia de Havilland), and her subsequent marriage to Rhett Butler (Clark Gable).

Before the release of the movie, more than two million copies of the novel had sold through 49 printings. The movie received 10 Oscars (eight competitive, two honorary) from thirteen nominations at the 1940 Academy Awards. It set records for both the total number of wins and nominations at the time and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

This “Illustrated Motion Picture Edition” is comprised of the novel in 391pp, a 3-page listing of actors and makers of the movie, and 12 color stills on 6 plates bound into book. The front cover states this is the “Motion Picture Edition.” viii + 391pp + 6 plates.

Printing history and title page indicates this copy is from the first print run of this motion picture edition (i.e. the novel plus color photographs from the motion picture), December, 1939. Interior is tight, clean and, except for name and date on half-title and a personal Libris sticker pasted inside front cover, unmarked. Paperback cover is whole, but shows wear, fanned pages and covers repaired with tape. A very usable reading copy.


• Size: 8vo – over 7¾ - 9¾” tall, 411pp.
• Condition: Acceptable Oversized Paperback – First Thus, First Printing. Always Privately Owned.


Copyrights 1936, 1939. Printed in U.S.A. Illustrated Motion Picture Edition, 1st printing December 1939 stated. No ISBN, LCCN nor MSR.


Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.” Booksellers need similar word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates for titles still in print.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Usually requires repair to be usable.

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.


Thanks for looking!