Signed Limited Edition Companion Book: Hand-Signed by Fred Astaire (The Astaire Story 1952)
This entry showcases an authentic, primary-source piece of Golden Age Hollywood musical history, jazz recording lore, and deluxe publishing ephemera: an original limited edition companion book from The Astaire Story, hand-signed on the limitation page by legendary entertainer Fred Astaire.
Considered by many to be the greatest dancer in film history, Fred Astaire (1899–1987) revolutionized the Hollywood musical genre through his effortless elegance, virtuosic choreography, and legendary screen partnerships with Ginger Rogers, Eleanor Powell, and Judy Garland. Beyond his film work, jazz impresario Norman Granz produced The Astaire Story in 1952—a historical, career-spanning recording project pairing Astaire’s vocals and tap percussion with an all-star jazz group featuring Oscar Peterson, Charlie Shavers, Flip Phillips, Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, and Alvin Stoller.
Published in 1952 by Clef Records to accompany the deluxe four-album box set, this hardcover book features a bright red cloth cover decorated with a striking blue silkscreened silhouette of Astaire in mid-dance pose. The volume contains extensive session photographs by David Stone Martin, biographical essays, and detailed discographical information.
On the formal limitation page, designated as copy Number 520 in a restricted edition of 1,384 copies, Fred Astaire has rendered his autograph in fountain pen ink:
"Fred Astaire"
Astaire’s signature appears directly beneath the handwritten limitation number, remaining fully legible and centered on the page.
Accompanied by an official Letter of Authenticity document issued by James Spence Authentication (JSA) in conjunction with Heritage Auctions (
Auction Sale #7006, Lot #51009), dated June 2009 and signed by JSA Managing Member James J. Spence, Jr., fully verifying Astaire's autograph.Preserved in fine vintage condition, featuring bright cloth covers, tight internal binding, clean white pages, and a sharp fountain pen signature, this limited edition book serves as an essential centerpiece for musical film archivists, jazz collectors, and Fred Astaire displays.
Book & Display Specifications
-
OFFICIAL 1952 CLEF RECORDS LIMITED EDITION: Deluxe hardcover companion book produced for Norman Granz's The Astaire Story recording project.
-
SILKSCREENED RED CLOTH BINDING: Features the iconic blue dance silhouette cover design with internal photos by David Stone Martin.
-
EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION: Preserved in fine condition with bright cloth boards, clean internal pages, and tight binding.
Autograph Specifications & Provenance
-
HAND-SIGNED BY FRED ASTAIRE: Authentically autographed in fountain pen ink ("Fred Astaire") on the limitation page (Copy No. 520 of 1,384).
-
JSA / HERITAGE AUCTIONS LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY: Fully verified with an official Letter of Authenticity issued by James Spence Authentication (JSA).
Signed Limited Edition Companion Book: Hand-Signed by Fred Astaire (The Astaire Story 1952)
This entry showcases an authentic, primary-source piece of Golden Age Hollywood musical history, jazz recording lore, and deluxe publishing ephemera: an original limited edition companion book from The Astaire Story, hand-signed on the limitation page by legendary entertainer Fred Astaire.
Considered by many to be the greatest dancer in film history, Fred Astaire (1899–1987) revolutionized the Hollywood musical genre through his effortless elegance, virtuosic choreography, and legendary screen partnerships with Ginger Rogers, Eleanor Powell, and Judy Garland. Beyond his film work, jazz impresario Norman Granz produced The Astaire Story in 1952—a historical, career-spanning recording project pairing Astaire’s vocals and tap percussion with an all-star jazz group featuring Oscar Peterson, Charlie Shavers, Flip Phillips, Barney Kessel, Ray Brown, and Alvin Stoller.
Published in 1952 by Clef Records to accompany the deluxe four-album box set, this hardcover book features a bright red cloth cover decorated with a striking blue silkscreened silhouette of Astaire in mid-dance pose. The volume contains extensive session photographs by David Stone Martin, biographical essays, and detailed discographical information.
On the formal limitation page, designated as copy Number 520 in a restricted edition of 1,384 copies, Fred Astaire has rendered his autograph in fountain pen ink:
"Fred Astaire"
Astaire’s signature appears directly beneath the handwritten limitation number, remaining fully legible and centered on the page.
Accompanied by an official Letter of Authenticity document issued by James Spence Authentication (JSA) in conjunction with Heritage Auctions (
Auction Sale #7006, Lot #51009), dated June 2009 and signed by JSA Managing Member James J. Spence, Jr., fully verifying Astaire's autograph.Preserved in fine vintage condition, featuring bright cloth covers, tight internal binding, clean white pages, and a sharp fountain pen signature, this limited edition book serves as an essential centerpiece for musical film archivists, jazz collectors, and Fred Astaire displays.
Book & Display Specifications
-
OFFICIAL 1952 CLEF RECORDS LIMITED EDITION: Deluxe hardcover companion book produced for Norman Granz's The Astaire Story recording project.
-
SILKSCREENED RED CLOTH BINDING: Features the iconic blue dance silhouette cover design with internal photos by David Stone Martin.
-
EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION: Preserved in fine condition with bright cloth boards, clean internal pages, and tight binding.
Autograph Specifications & Provenance
-
HAND-SIGNED BY FRED ASTAIRE: Authentically autographed in fountain pen ink ("Fred Astaire") on the limitation page (Copy No. 520 of 1,384).
-
JSA / HERITAGE AUCTIONS LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY: Fully verified with an official Letter of Authenticity issued by James Spence Authentication (JSA).
