Guys and Dolls - First US Edition in the elusive dust wrapper

London: Stokes, 1931. A first edition, first printing of 'Guys and Dolls' published by Stokes in 1931. A near fine book without inscriptions - a touch of wear to the head f the spine. A little wear to the corners but exceptionally fresh and clean both externally and internally. In the vanishingly scarce supplied dust wrapper, priced correctly at $2.00. Neat closed tear and small chip to the head of the spine. A little edge wear but none of the usual large chips as is commonly seen with this title. 'Guys and Dolls' originated from the short stories of Damon Runyon, whose colourful tales of New York City's gamblers, gangsters, and showgirls inspired the 1950 Broadway musical by Frank Loesser. The musical combines characters from Runyon's stories, notably "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown" and "Blood Pressure," and centres on Sky Masterson, a high-stakes gambler who falls for mission worker Sarah Brown, while his friend Nathan Detroit struggles to keep his floating crap game alive and marry long-time fiancée Adelaide. In 1955, it was adapted into a successful film starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons, and Vivian Blaine. The movie retained the musical's charm and energy, though some songs and plot points were altered. Both the musical and the film remain classics, praised for their humour, memorable songs, and vibrant portrayal of Runyon's distinctive Broadway underworld.