(NY), Delacorte Press, (1974). Both a review copy and an uncorrected proof copy of her first novel, begun in 1932 -- a chapter of it was published in the Partisan Review in 1934 -- and set aside for 40 years while the author raised her four daughters, engaged in political activism, and published Tell Me A Riddle, a collection of three short stories and an O'Henry Award-winning novella. The uncorrected proof copy is inscribed by the author to noted bookseller Burt Britton: "Dear Burt - I am sorry you have this - I am sorry I could not prevent this edition with its changes made by an impertinent copy editor, and a publisher who refused to print corrections to original copy, and all the changes and revisions I felt necessary after seeing these proofs. The paperback is right. Tillie." Olsen has also signed her name in full on the same page; written an illegible note ("genuine .... smear") on the front cover, which she has initialed; corrected the publication date on the information sheet on the inside front cover; and added "and an unnamed copyeditor" to the author credit. A hint of spine sunning, else fine in wrappers. Together with a review copy of the first edition, signed by Olsen on the title page, and inscribed by her under the front flap: "For Burt Britton, Book Lover - See note in uncorrected page proof. Thank you for caring for this anyway. Tillie Olsen 1976." Fine in a very near fine, mildly spine-sunned dust jacket, with review slip laid in. Books inscribed by Olsen -- whose handwriting is so tiny as to be almost unreadable -- are uncommon. The proof and the book are housed together in a custom clamshell case. [#028867] SOLD