Doomed Ship; The Autobiography of Judd Gray. Prepared for Publication by His Sister Margaret Gray.
New York: Horace Liveright, 1928. First edition. 8vo, 251pp; cloth. Slightly shelf-rubbed; near fine in a bold graphic dust jacket (by Sugar) with a handful of small chips and a couple of short tears; front flap detached but present. Item #205330
A death-house memoir written by Gray while awaiting execution for his part in the murder of his lover's husband. "The publishers issue this book only after confirming its authenticity beyond the shadow of a doubt. It was composed in the death cell at Sing Sing, and finished less than an hour before the execution. Gray gave it to his sister, who arranged it for publication. It remains as he wrote it, except for the omission of a few repetitions and occasional incoherent passages. It is by his wish that it is published in book form, and not serialized" (from the dust jacket). The case was given sensational coverage in the newspapers and served as the inspiration for Sophie Treadwell's play "Machinal" as well as James M. Cain's "Double Indemnity"
Price: $175.00