Ran across a copy of a Eugene O’Neil book listed for sale at quite a sum. It’s inscribed by the author to DeCasseres… here is a reproduction of the text of that listing, my emphasis added.
THE EMPEROR JONES. DIFF’RENT. THE STRAW
O’NEILL, Eugene G.
Price: $7,500.00
New York: Boni and Liveright, (1921). First Edition INSCRIBED and SIGNED by the author on the front endpaper: “To Ben de Casseres/with all best–/Eugene O’Neill.” The recipient was an American journalist and author who thought too much of himself. Atkinson A 15-I-i.a: Binding A: 2200 copies published. THE EMPEROR JONES is subtitled “A study of the psychology of fear and of race superstition,” and DIFF’RENT is subtitled “The Story of a Sex-Starved Woman.” Frank Hogan’s gilt red morocco bookplate on the front pastedown. De Casseres’s name and address ink stamp on the front endpaper, half-title page, and title page with his bold pencil signature on the front blank. Both hinges cracked, the front moreso with the webbing showing and some looseness. Very Good in a Near Fine example of the very scarce dustwrapper (Item ID: 016408)
Ahahah, wow somebody didn’t read all of Mr. DeCasseres works. I’d hardly say he is anymore egotistical than any other Author. Does being aware of yourself in the world around you and providing writing on that account constitute being of an unhealthy and shallow ego? I think not. Bitch Bookseller is the most apt description for this uhm…person’s attitude to say the least.