(n.p.), (n.p.), [ca. 1976]. Mixed carbon typescript and photocopy typescript, with an occasional ribbon copy sheet, of the author's first novel, published in 1977, one of the highlights of the "Native American Renaissance." The sheets are held in a black spring-loaded thesis binder, and a four-page autograph letter signed from the author explains that the black binder copy of the manuscript served as a talisman for her, to ward off danger -- the danger being that she would be unable to get to do her writing, and would "end up a housewife." Later in the note she says, "The black binder contains only a xerox of CEREMONY, but it is the best evidence I have of what my ideas for CEREMONY were." The note also recounts a little-known (unknown?) circumstance of the publication of Ceremony, in which Richard Seaver, the editor and publisher, decided to change the ending, without Silko's knowledge, something she only discovered when she saw the galleys for the book. Silko calls this copy of the manuscript a "talisman" and an "amulet" and says it "isn't very interesting otherwise." However, by our count it comprises 325 pages, of which 93 have original holograph edits to them -- sometimes small, other times quite significant, including a four page section marked to be cut -- while another 105 pages reproduce holograph changes in the manuscript. So nearly 2/3 of the pages show changes, and the text clearly differs notably from the published book. A unique copy of one of the most important Native American novels of the 20th century, whose publication and critical reception helped open the way for a generation of Native writers to be published and have their voices heard. Her holograph ownership name, "Leslie Marmon Silko," inside the front cover. The black binder is dusty; some of the paper has yellowed with age; overall very good. [#032812] SOLD