Frank W. Abagnale – Catch Me If You Can – SIGNED First US Edition 1980 – Inscribed to by Abagnale to Johnny Carson

First edition, first printing, published by Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1980. A fine book in a fine dust wrapper.

INSCRIBED by Frank Abagnale to Johnny Carson: “To Johnny, in deep appreciation for making all this possible,” dated 18th July 1980, reportedly some six weeks before publication.

An exceptional association copy, presented to the television host whose programme helped bring Abagnale’s story to national attention. The dust wrapper reproduces a photograph of Abagnale with Carson and describes the sensation caused by his appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson*. The inscription appears to acknowledge Carson’s contribution to the recognition which followed, giving particular resonance to the words “making all this possible”.

Abagnale’s account of his exploits as a young confidence trickster, assuming the identities of an airline pilot, physician, attorney and college professor while passing forged cheques in America and overseas. An international bestseller and the basis for Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film.

A distinctive presentation copy linking the author directly with a pivotal figure in the public emergence of his story. THE copy of this book.