NY, Harper, (1961). His second book, set at an American-occupied German air force base in the aftermath of World War II, and featuring a young fighter pilot as its protagonist. Salter was unhappy with this book -- he called it "derivative Faulkner" and "largely a failure" -- and indeed it is not one of his better known books. In a rare instance of an author having a second chance, Salter rewrote the book forty years later and it was published in 2001 as Cassada, the protagonist's surname. The story events were largely the same but the narrative point of view was dramatically different. The Arm of Flesh has always been one of Salter's hardest books to find in the first edition. This copy is signed by the author in the month after publication: "James Salter - a friend - March 1961." Modest foxing to the edges of the text block and the hinges; near fine in a very good, mildly foxed dust jacket with shallow edge wear. An uncommon title, and scarce signed, especially with a contemporary date. [#030136] SOLD