GROSS, Milt -1930 He Done Her Wrong

circa 1926 promotional piece
for Gross’ book *Hiawatta*.

Gross’ masterpiece, He Done Her Wrong, is a wordless novel done in pen-and-ink cartoons as a parody of Lynd Ward’s Gods’ Man.

Born March 4, 1895 in the Bronx, NY; died November 29, 1953 on a Pacific Ocean liner. Milt Gross was an American cartoonist and animator. His work is noted for its exaggerated cartoon style and Yiddish-inflected English dialogue.

In 1930, Gross published what many consider his masterpiece, the pantomime tale He Done Her Wrong: The Great American Novel and Not a Word in It — No Music, Too. …… this “novel” is composed entirely of pen-and-ink cartoons, nearly 300 pages long……. It resembled (and parodied) Lynd Ward’s Gods’ Man, published the previous year.

Wikipedia

Production Copy/Proof?

Prior to publication, a printing company usually prepares dummy copies (sometimes called production copies or proofs) that look similar to the expected final product. The purpose is to give various individuals involved in the production process a chance to voice concerns before going into full production. The following production copy came from the estate of a Doubleday employee, William Rehman. His position was given as “Traffic Manager” with the duty to coordinate and distribute work to the creative and production teams of Doubleday.

Published copy on the left and Production copy on the right.

This Production copy is slightly smaller (8″ versus 8 1/4″ high) with a dark blue or navy colour cloth cover compared to the published copy with a black cloth cover.

Hand drawn cartoon and signatures on the FFEP. The occasion is unclear
but presumably relates to a hospital event experienced by the book owner.
Presumably the exchange between Doc and Ray in the hand-drawn
cartoon is an inside joke – any information would be appreciated.

The Dempsey signatures on the front paste-down are believed to be by friends of Mr. Rehman. A number, but not all, of the signatures on the FFEP belong to staff with Doubleday. The signature of Mr. C. Rehman and Mrs. G. Rehman are believed to be by the brother and sister in law of William Rehmans; they were not Doubleday employees.

Published Copy

Title: He Done Her Wrong: The Great American Novel and Not a Word in It — No Music, Too
Author and Illustrator: Milt Gross
Date: 1930
ISBN: not applicable
Publisher: Doubleday, Doran & Co
Place of publication: Garden City, N.Y.
Printer: Country Life Press (an affiliate of Doubleday until 1938)
Copyright: Milt Gross
Size: 8 1/4 x 7 1/4″ (21 x 18.6 cm)
Dust jacket: Yes – designed by the artist?
slipcase: doubtful
Binding: hard cover
Cover: Black cloth (buckram?) with red title, etc on front and spine
Language: English titles, etc
Unpaginated
Printed: verso and recto
Edition: Trade only?
- done in at least 3 printings – changed DJ?