Saturday, January 16, 2010

A Few Books by George Ullman

These are three books from George Ullman. George Ullman, Valentino's business manager wrote a couple of books after his death. They were among the first books about Valentino. The first book is a hardback with the dust cover, it is called, "Valentino as I Knew Him." It was published in 1927 by A.L. Burt. This book is difficult to find with the dust cover.

This is a a French paperback book called "Le Veritable Valentino," or "The True Valentino." This was published in 1927, this is not an easy book to find, especiallly in good condition.
This is "The Real Valentino." It was published in 1927 by C. Arthur Pearson Limited. This is the hardback without the dust cover. This book is rare and difficult to find, with or without the dust cover.



8 comments:

  1. If I could purchase only one of Ullman's books, which would you recommend?

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  2. The funny thing is, I have over 80 books; but, I have only read a handful of them. I am not much of a reader, I just enjoy collecting the books. With that being said, I have never read any of these books. If you like, click on my profile and email me your address and I will send you a copy of "Valentino as I knew him." I have about 4 copies if you want one, let me know.

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  3. Okay, you have got to be the nicest guy in the world. So generous of you to offer. In fact, I ordered said book today, a first edition, third printing of the 1926 version with a fair looking dustjacket. It was only about $40. But you really haven't read the books? Not even Emily Leider's? That's all I've been able to do other than watch movies for almost 20 years since collecting wasn't possible for me until now. Thank you so much for your help.

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  4. Haha, thank you. Honestly, I have some duplicate books along with a few other items, just let me know what you are looking for in the future. The Ullman book you purchased was a great deal, only $40 with the dust cover, great deal! I have seen the book go for that without the dust cover. The one pictured above I think I paid $50-$60.

    I have only read a few books, I read part of Emily Leider's book, not the whole thing. I have read The Valentino Mystique, The Intimate Journal of RV, The Intimate Life of RV and a few others.

    If you don't mind me asking why have you just started collecting now?

    I do really enjoy the films as well, my favorite is Cobra, followed closely by The Sheik, Blood and Sand, The Eagle, and The Son of the Sheik.

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  5. Because I was a divorced single mom of 3 for years, until I met and married a wonderful guy 4 years ago. For the last 2 years he went back to school and worked part-time. But that's all over now and its Mom's turn. I get to spend some of my money on myself. Thank goodness my son is going to school on scholarships. You asked. I especially like the June Mathis stuff. Four Horsemen and Blood and Sand. I'm crazy about his athleticism in Son of Sheik and he turns into such a badass in Moran of the Lady Letty. The fight scene is worthy of Fairbanks but with more panache.

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  6. Well good for you, and great for your son, you must be very proud! I have to scale back a bit myself lately because my wife and I have a 15 month old. So, I try to cut back on my Valentino spending, but it is often difficult, especially if I find something rare, which is often the case, especially if I am not looking to buy something.

    I really enjoy The Son of the Sheik myself, I think it is fitting that his last film was a sequel to the film that really launched his career into stardom. Even though I am a huge classic movie fan, I am unaware if SOS was the first sequel or the first film to use split-screen / trick photography when he meets up with his father. I like to think those were both firsts; but, I am not 100% sure.

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  7. There was a follow-up film to D.W. Griffith"s 1915 "Birth of a Nation" in 1916 titled "Fall of a Nation". "Birth" was based on a novel by Thomas Dixon and "Fall" was written by Dixon Jr., I suppose in order to cash in on huge success of "Birth". The thing is, one is Civil War era and the other WWI. Different characters too. So I agree that TSOS was likely the first true sequel.
    I have no idea about that trick photography angle. Would make an interesting research project.

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  8. Great information! I looked up information on Google about this issue, people say the exact same thing. Many think "Fall of a Nation," was purely released to cash in on "Birth of a Nation." To you point, different characters, and different story lines. Many people on line say it was SOS, very interesting. You are right, this would make an interesting research project.

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