Catalog 152, Y-Z
288. YATES, Richard. A Special Providence. NY: Knopf, 1969. His third book, second novel. Inscribed by Yates to an English professor: "For ___ ___: I've always considered this the weakest of my books -- sentimental, badly organized -- and so, while somewhat apologetic, I'm touched and pleased that you've chosen to include it with the others. Thanks. Richard Yates. Feb. 22, 1986." A very near fine copy with rich top stain, in a near fine dust jacket creased on the rear flap. A nice inscription, giving a glimpse of the writer's view of his own work.
289. YATES, Richard. Disturbing the Peace. (NY): Delacorte (1975). His fourth book, third novel. Inscribed by Yates, again to an English professor: "For ___ ___: This book was written in furious haste to make up for lost time, so it can't compare with the better ones, but I'm glad it has a few readers anyway. All best, Richard Yates. Feb. 22, 1968." A little loss to spine gilt; else fine in a very near fine dust jacket with one short, closed edge tear. Books signed by Yates are relatively uncommon; books with this kind of lengthy and revealing inscription are virtually unknown.
290. YATES, Richard. A Good School. (NY): Delacorte (1978). Inscribed by the author: "For: The Bookworm Shop, with best wishes, Richard Yates. 11/24/79." A bit dusty, but very near fine in a near fine dust jacket with several edge nicks and a couple of creases to the front flap.
291. YATES, Richard. Liars in Love. (NY): Delacorte (1981). His second collection of stories. Signed by the author and dated in the month of publication. Very slight spine slant; else fine in a very near fine dust jacket with a tiny crease at the crown and another on the rear flap.
292. YATES, Richard. Cold Spring Harbor. NY: Delacorte (1986). The last novel by a "writer's writer," whose first book, Revolutionary Road, was a finalist for the National Book Award, along with Catch-22 and The Moviegoer and, in the opinion of novelist Stewart O'Nan, as deserving as either of them. Yates was Andre Dubus' teacher, and was admired by an entire generation of writers, including William Styron, Robert Stone, Kurt Vonnegut, and many others. This copy is inscribed by Yates in the year of publication: "For Fred Hetzel, A good editor, a good father, and a good man - with best wishes always, Dick Yates. Dec. 16, 1986." Hetzel was an editor, and eventually the director, at the University of Pittsburgh Press; his daughter, Jennifer, was Yates' regular waitress at a restaurant called the Crossroads in Boston. Fine in a very near fine, price-clipped dust jacket with just a little creasing to the crown.