NY, Dutton, (1978). His fourth novel, and his breakthrough book, which went into numerous printings and became a multi-million copy bestseller and a National Book Award winner in its paperback release. Basis for the well-received movie. The first printing of Garp was 35,000 copies -- far larger than any of Irving's previous novels but far short of any of the books that came later: his next novel, The Hotel New Hampshire, had a 100,000 copy first printing and since then all his books have had first printings well into six figures. Inscribed by the author to a former student of Irving's at Windham College, and although the inscription is not dated it was reportedly signed on the night before publication at a reading in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is hard to remember, but before Garp John Irving was a little-known literary writer, not a major, bestselling author. That he was giving a reading on the night before publication in a town like Northampton, MA, rather than New York City or San Francisco is in keeping with that fact. Foxing to top edge; narrow edge sunning at spine; near fine in a near fine dust jacket with a bit of foxing to verso and modest wear to the crown. [#028928] SOLD