MONKEY ON A STICK

New York: William Morrow & Co., 1940. First Edition, First Printing. . Hardcover. Very Good/Good Plus. This is the second of six novels written by Clune, who worked as a reporter and columnist for the Rochester, NY, "Democrat and Chronicle" for over 55 years, dying in 1995 at 105. While his first novel, "The Good Die Poor," was a cynical, realistic story of a newspaperman caught up in corrupt city politics, his second is a satiric comedy that could only happen in America. It features Chester Willoughby who decided the radio ads for his furniture store's clearance sale should be used for a series of inspirational talks. To his own and everyone's amazement, Chester turned out to have a radio voice, one so hypnotic it didn't really matter what he said. It wasn't long before the Willoughby Brotherhood League began whispering about Willoughby for President. Both corners on front cover lightly bumped, o/w orange cloth-covered boards and text are clean and unmarked, tight and square, not remaindered. Inscribed by Clune for "a good friend and an office associate," and dated May 10, 1940, on the front free end page above the bookplate of the previous owner, who is the subject of the inscription. The pictorial dustjacket, though darkened by age and showing some minor chipping and other edgewear, is 95% whole with none of the art work or lettering missing. It is not price-clipped. A collectable copy of a scarce edition.