NY, Simon and Schuster, 1952. The uncorrected proof copy, in the form of stringbound galleys, of this "Dastard's Handbook to Fame and Fortune," a bestselling satire based on Mead's rise from the mailroom to a vice presidency at the advertising agency Benton and Bowles. Adapted by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows into the musical that would have three runs on Broadway, over four decades, with more than 2400 performances, earning nine Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical in its first run, 1961-1965, when it also won the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Also the basis for the 1967 film. This proof has textual differences from the published book on, at least, the final page. Also, the cover has "Sheperd" hand-corrected to "Shepherd," as well as editorial notations. Tall (7" x 12"), stringbound galleys, printed on rectos only, with a back cover of cardboard. Small corner chip and a corner crease to the front cover; stray pen marks there; still near fine. Rare. [#034619] SOLD