"CAN'T YOU LET YOURSELF BELIEVE IN PEOPLE LIKE KRIS—IN FUN AND JOY AND LOVE AND ALL THE OTHER INTANGIBLES?"

DAVIES, Valentine. Miracle on 34th Street. New York: Harcourt, Brace, (1947). Small octavo, original russet cloth, original dust jacket. $1500.

First edition of this modern Christmas classic, published to coincide with the release of the famous movie.

Based on Davies' original story for "the United States Christmas movie" (Clute & Grant, 650)— starring Maureen O'Hara and Edmund Gwenn (who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Kris Kringle)— this book was rushed into publication in 1947 in order to coincide with the film's debut that spring. Davies, an American film and television writer and director, won an Academy Award for Best Story for the film. The screenplay was written by the film's director, George Seaton, who won an Oscar for Best Screenplay. "First Edition" on copyright page; first-issue dust jacket with "Double Your Enjoyment" advertisement for movie on rear panel. Stamped numeral on back free endpaper.

Book in fine condition; mildly toned, price-clipped dust jacket with short closed tear from upper edge of back panel, shallow chipping to spine ends, slight wear to extremities. A very nice copy.