E-list # 167

(n.p.), (n.p.), (1991). An advance reading excerpt of her first novel. Signed by the author. Fine in stapled wrappers. [#915062] $35

London, Chatto & Windus, (1991). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Nick to lower rear panel; else fine in wrappers. [#914090] $35

Garden City, Doubleday, 1976. The uncorrected proof copy of her fourth book. Signed by the author. Partial title ("Another") written on bottom page edges; glue residue showing through publisher's printed label on the front cover; near fine in tall wrappers. [#008143] SOLD

NY, Scribner, (2002). The advance reading copy, marked "Advance Uncorrected Proofs." Signed by the author as "Bob Hellenga." Text block coming unglued from spine; near fine in pictorial wrappers. [#916274] $30

(n.p.), Soho, (1994). The uncorrected proof copy, marked "Advance Reading Copy." Signed by the author. Tiny bump to spine heel; else fine in printed blue wrappers. [#916271] $35

NY, Knopf, 1991. The advance reading copy of a novel told from the point of view of a Stradivarius violin. One light corner bump; else fine in wrappers, in a slightly worn publisher's cardstock box. Signed by the author. [#012309] $20

NY/Boston, Warner Books, (2005). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in self-wrappers, with CD Sampler laid in. [#914122] SOLD

NY, Pantheon Books, (2001). The advance reading copy of this collection of reminiscences. Signed by Hoagland. Fine in wrappers and publisher's cardstock slipcase. From the author's own library. [#033468] SOLD

NY, Atlantic Monthly Press, (2003). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author prior to publication. Fine in wrappers. [#916300] $21

(NY), HarperCollins, (2002). The advance reading copy of this collection of stories. Inscribed by the author. Hint of a ripple to the rear cover; still fine in wrappers. [#915143] $30

(London), Viking, (2001). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers, and in publisher's "Time to Get Good" cardboard box. [#914141] SOLD

(NY), Riverhead Books, (2001). An advance reading excerpt of the American edition of this anthology of stories, edited by Hornby. Printing the stories by Hornby, Zadie Smith, and Nick Harris. Signed by Hornby. Fine in stapled wrappers. [#914144] $50

(NY), Riverhead Books, (2001). The advance reading copy of the first American edition of this anthology of stories, edited by Hornby. With contributions by Hornby, Dave Eggers, Roddy Doyle, Irvine Welsh, Zadie Smith, Helen Fielding, and others. Signed by Hornby. Fine in wrappers. [#914143] $50

Toronto, Knopf Canada, (2001). The uncorrected proof copy of the first Canadian edition. Inscribed by Irving on the title page. Fine in wrappers, with the dust jacket art bound in. An uncommon proof copy, and especially scarce signed; we've never seen another one. [#029483] SOLD

(London), Bloomsbury, (1996). The uncorrected proof copy of the first British edition of this title, which was incorporated into the U.S. edition of Trying to Save Piggy Sneed and had no separate U.S. printing. Inscribed by Irving. Fine in a near fine, proof dust jacket, worn where it overlays the proof, with the price of £13.99 (later lowered to £9.99). An uncommon proof (the British trade edition would have had a proportionally smaller printing than a U.S. one would have had, and the proof equally so), especially with the proof jacket, and even more so signed by Irving. This is the first signed copy of it we have handled. [#029482] $1,000

NY, Dutton, (1978). The advance reading copy of his fourth novel and breakthrough book, which went into numerous printings, became a multi-million copy bestseller and a National Book Award winner in its paperback release. The first printing of Garp was reported at 35,000 copies; none of Irving's previous books had sold even 5,000 copies, with one of them having had sales under 2000. Irving switched publishers for this book, and his new publisher decided to promote the novel heavily. After issuing two sets of proofs in small numbers for early readers and reviewers, Dutton printed this advance reading copy for wide distribution to the book trade. It worked in bringing attention to Irving's novel, which became a bestseller; since then, Irving's books have had six-figure first printings and his reputation as a major American novelist is secure. The publisher's risk, in producing such a large first printing, and their marketing efforts -- including creating this advance copy -- played no small part in this transformation. This copy is signed by the author. Spine cocked and creased, with staining to covers; about very good in wrappers. [#023819] $850

(Toronto), HarperFlamingo, (2003). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#915182] $21

NY, Atlantic Monthly, (2003). The advance reading copy of the first American edition. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#915183] $21

NY, Pantheon, (2007). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911638] SOLD

(NY), Amistad, (2003). The advance reading copy of the author's second book, first novel, about a mixed-race plantation owner and slaveholder in antebellum Virginia. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Inscribed by the author. Fine in self-wrappers. [#029988] SOLD

Boston, Little Brown, (1993). The uncorrected proof copy of his first book, a highly praised collection of stories that was nominated for the National Book Award. Signed by the author in 1994. Fine in wrappers, with publicist's card stapled to the front cover. [#915203] SOLD

NY, Holt Rinehart Winston, (1973). The uncorrected proof copy of her second collection of poetry. Jong's breakthrough novel, Fear of Flying, published the same year as this collection, redefined the parameters for acceptable commercial fiction in the wake of the newfound freedoms of the Sixties and the women's movement, so much so that its title became a byword, and a part of the vernacular of contemporary political discussion. Inscribed by the author. Fine in tall wrappers with review slip laid in. [#008584] SOLD

[NY], [Holt Rinehart Winston], 1975. A personalized advance copy of her third collection of poetry. Photocopied pages shot from an uncorrected proof copy, warmly inscribed by the author, and with one poem, "Advice to Myself After Losing My Wallet," crossed out, apparently by Jong. Together with an autograph note signed, on personal stationery, transmitting the sheets and thanking the recipient for some Nabokov books. All items fine in a torn, hand-addressed, postage due envelope. An interesting item from the author of the landmark novel Fear of Flying. [#015617] SOLD

(Minneapolis), Milkweed, (1999). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913116] $35

NY, Grove Press, (2004). The advance reading copy of her first novel. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913118] $35

NY, Harper & Row, (1980). An uncorrected proof copy of the author's second book, first novel. Near fine in wrappers. Inscribed by the author and dated in October of 19 79, three months prior to publication. [#010677] SOLD

NY, Atheneum, 1987. Uncorrected proof copy. Inscribed by the author, with "thanks for a stimulating morning." Short tear to upper front spine fold and small smudge to front cover; near fine in wrappers. [#010687] SOLD

(n.p.), Viking, (1988). Uncorrected proof copy of this historical novel by the author of the Pulitzer-Prize winning Ironweed. Near fine in wrappers, and signed by the author. [#010689] SOLD

(n.p.), Viking, (1988). Uncorrected proof copy of this historical novel by the author of the Pulitzer-Prize winning Ironweed. Fine in wrappers, and inscribed by the author. [#010690] SOLD

(NY), New American Library, (1968). The uncorrected proof copy of this novel about an officer stripped of his rank in Vietnam for refusing to carry out his part in the war, who is given a chance to "redeem" himself by aiding in the torture of a prisoner. Signed by the author. Handling, sunning, and a few stains to covers; about very good in wrappers. An early novel of the war, which caused some controversy because it was not written by a veteran. [#031212] SOLD

NY, Washington Square Press, (2000). The uncorrected proof copy. Signed by the author. Tiny nick to spine base, else fine in wrappers. [#913197] SOLD

Holyoke, Crossroads Press, 1999. The uncorrected proof copy of this limited edition. Signed by the author. Comb-bound with both printed and acetate covers. Stamp of Stanley Wiater on half title; near fine in wrappers. Scarce. [#029498] SOLD

NY, Bantam, (1989). The uncorrected proof copy. Inscribed by the author to Stanley Wiater prior to publication: "For Stan the Man -- My last sequel." Wiater's bookplate inside the front cover; edge-sunned with small crown bump; near fine in wrappers. [#029495] SOLD

Baltimore, CD, 1994. The uncorrected proof copy. Fine in wrappers. With a colophon of the limited edition, signed by Lansdale and the illustrator Mark A. Nelson laid in. Note: the proof does not include Nelson's illustration. [#031298] SOLD

NY, Grove, (2005). An advance reading excerpt printing three of the stories from the final collection. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913214] $35

NY, Grove, (2005). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913213] $35

NY, Riverhead Books, 1999. An uncorrected proof copy in the form of comb-bound 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, printed on rectos only. 348 pages. Signed by the author. Fine. [#913239] $80

NY, Riverhead Books, 1999. The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers, with promotional material laid in. [#913238] $35

NY, Riverhead Books, 1995. The advance reading copy of his first book. Winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award. Signed by the author. Fine in pictorial wrappers. [#913234] SOLD

NY, Atlantic Monthly Press, (2000). The uncorrected proof copy of his well-received first book, which was a Main Selection of the Book of the Month Club -- unusual for a first novel. Signed by the author. Hint of a spine crease, else fine in wrappers. [#914208] $35

NY, New American Library, (1989). The advance reading copy. Inscribed by the author (but not signed) to Robert Stone and his wife. Very good in wrappers. [#033747] $75

NY, Scribner, (1995). The advance reading excerpt, consisting of three of the stories from the finished book. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#004210] $20

Seattle, Jawbone Press, 1981. The uncorrected proof copy. Signed by the author. Near fine in wrappers. [#913626] $80

NY, Knopf, (1994). The author's copy of the uncorrected proof of this collection of stories, with his corrections in ink throughout. With a typed note signed by Lopez attesting to the fact that these came from his personal library (Lopez does not, as a rule, sign proof copies). Approximately 75 changes total, the majority very small corrections; the handful of larger changes are at most several words. These changes were made prior to the published version of the text, so this proof offers a glimpse of the author's final rewrites. Near fine in wrappers. [#033180] SOLD

NY, Knopf, 1994, 1998, 2000. The uncorrected proof copies of these three books by Lopez, from the author's own library. Lopez does not, as a matter of principle, sign advance copies, but each of these proofs comes with a typed note signed by Lopez attesting to the fact that it is from his personal library. About This Life has some light corner creasing, otherwise each is fine in wrappers. [#033179] SOLD

Boston/NY, Houghton Mifflin, 2010. The advance reading copy of Machart's well-received first novel. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers, with a cover blurb by Tim O'Brien. [#032801] SOLD

NY, Pantheon, (1996). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913645] $35

Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1988. Uncorrected proof copy of this collection of stories. One of the stories is laid in in the form of stapled, photocopied tearsheets. Fine in wrappers, and signed by the author. [#005909] $20

London, Heinemann, (1962). The uncorrected proof copy of the first British edition of his third novel. Signed by the author. Matthiessen was one of the very few authors who has won the National Book Award for both fiction and nonfiction. His novel after this one, At Play in the Fields of the Lord, a National Book Award nominee, represented a significant jump from this book in terms of literary accomplishment. The book prior to this, Wildlife in America, started him on the path toward becoming one of our most highly regarded writers of natural history. This short novel, a tale of the sea that is reminiscent of Conrad, dates from an early period in Matthiessen's career and is uncommon even in the U.S. trade edition. This is the only copy of the British proof we have handled. Spine-sunned, else fine in wrappers. [#015912] SOLD

NY, Holt/Macrae, (2010/2011). A year in the life of a naturalist / marine biologist. Winner of the Orion Book Award for 2012. Near fine in a fine dust jacket, with a Peter Matthiessen blurb on the rear panel. Unmarked, but from the library of Peter Matthiessen. Together with the advance reading copy, without the Matthiessen blurb, but with a signed note from the publisher, John Macrae, to Matthiessen laid in. Fine in wrappers. Also together with a copy of SGI Quarterly, a Buddhist journal, April, 2010, with an interview with Safina and an inscribed Post-It note from Safina to Matthiessen on the front cover: "Peter - Buddhism and the sea - right up your alley. Best, Carl." [#032444] SOLD

NY, Ballantine, (1985). First Ballantine edition. Inscribed by the author. Recipient's stamp inside the front cover. Foxing to top edge, 1/4" chip at upper outer front cover. Very good in wrappers. Together with an advance reading excerpt of the novel as published by Holt Rinehart and Winston in 1984, which is near fine in stapled wrappers. [#031034] SOLD

NY, Turtle Bay Books, (1993). The uncorrected proof copy of her first book, a collection of stories. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#914548] SOLD

(NY), Dial Press, (2001). The uncorrected proof copy, marked "Advance Reading Copy," in cream colored wrappers with the cover art bound in. Signed by the author. Fine. [#914552] $35

London, Jonathan Cape, (2002). The advance reading copy of the British edition. Marked "Uncorrected Proof." Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#914553] $30

NY, Farrar Straus Giroux, (2006). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#915319] SOLD

NY, Grove Press, (2002). The uncorrected proof copy of his first book. Signed by the 17 year-old author. Fine in wrappers. [#915322] $50

NY, Knopf, 1974. The uncorrected proof copy. Inscribed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#005327] SOLD

NY, Farrar Straus Giroux, (1980). The uncorrected proof copy of this collection of essays on sport, particularly hunting and fishing. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911709] $250
On Sale: $163

Boston, Houghton Mifflin, (1989). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Spine-sunned, else fine in wrappers. [#911723] $35

NY, Farrar Straus Giroux, (1978). The second issue uncorrected proof copy. Signed by the author. Reviewer (?) name on front cover; crease to rear cover; near fine in light gray wrappers. [#911706] SOLD

NY, Random House, (1984). The uncorrected proof copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911714] $200
On Sale: $130

NY, Dutton, (1986). The uncorrected proof copy of this collection of stories. Signed by the author. Trace sunning to spine; still fine in wrappers. [#911717] SOLD

NY, Dutton, (1986). A limited advance reading excerpt, printing only the title story. One of 250 copies printed. Signed by McGuane. Fine in stapled wrappers. [#911718] $60

NY, Henry Holt, (2008). Two items: first, the first edition, a paperback original, of this collection of essays by the author of The End of Nature, among others. With a new introduction by the author. Signed by McKibben. And second: the uncorrected proof copy, dated 2007, and including six essays that were not included in the finished book. An announcement of the expected change in contents is affixed to the front cover, as is a label announcing a 2008 publication date. In addition to the presence of these six essays, the proof differs from the published text at least by small changes in the titles of a few of the essays. McKibben's The End of Nature, published in 1989, was the first book for general audiences on the science of global warming and climate change. McKibben has since become one of the most outspoken and visible activists against climate change, founding the organization 350.org, which is now active in nearly 200 countries. The proof copy of this collection is fine in wrappers; the book has a small owner name and date on the flyleaf; otherwise it is also fine in wrappers. An uncommon proof, and also a book that is uncommon signed. [#032890] SOLD

NY, Random House, (1997). The uncorrected proof copy of the highly praised first novel by John McPhee's daughter. Signed by Martha McPhee. Fine in wrappers. [#915355] SOLD

NY, Morrow, (1991). The uncorrected proof copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913327] SOLD

(Toronto), McClelland & Stewart, (1996). An advance copy, in the form of comb-bound galleys, typeset but reproducing several holograph corrections. Her third book, first novel, which was first published in Canada, and only in wrappers. Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction, the Guardian Prize for Fiction, the Books in Canada First Novel Award and the Trillium Prize. Signed by the author. 9" x 11". Fine. [#915362] $650

(London), Sceptre, (1998). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913329] $30

(London), Sceptre/(Hodder & Stoughton), (1997). The uncorrected proof copy of his first novel. Signed by the author. Fingerprints to glossy cover; else fine in wrappers. [#915374] $30

(London), Sceptre/(Hodder & Stoughton), (2001). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#915376] $35

NY, Knopf, 2010. The advance reading copy of this novel by the author of The Good Mother and Inventing the Abbotts, among others. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#028472] SOLD

Boston/NY, Houghton Mifflin, 2000. The advance reading copy, in pictorial wrappers, of the first American edition of this highly praised personal account of coming of age in Communist China during the years of the Cultural Revolution. Fine and Signed by the author. Together with the publisher's press packet and also together with the transcript of an Oregon Public Broadcasting interview of Min by Profiles host Mel Waggoner: the transcript prints Waggoner's parts only. [#915399] SOLD

NY, Dutton, (1986). The uncorrected proof copy of her first book, a well-received novel that was quickly reprinted. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#913333] SOLD

NY, St. Martin's, 1992. The uncorrected proof copy of this collection of stories and poems from 1961 to 1991. An earlier limited edition by Rydal Press printed a portion of this collection. Signed by the author. Publicist's card stapled inside the front cover; fine in wrappers. [#025624] $135

(n.p.), Little Brown, (n.d.). An advance excerpt of the American edition. Prints only the title story. Signed by the author. Fine in stapled wrappers. [#911761] $80

Boston, Little Brown, (1997). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911770] $21

Santa Monica, Danger Books, (1999). Virtually a novella in the form of a book dealer's catalog. Moody has created a hilarious and touching self-contained world where the values accorded to the items for sale (dollars) and the values inherent in them (significance, artistry, passion) are in running comic contrast. Moody has his tongue in his cheek but also his heart on his sleeve; many of the entries embody a sensitivity and tenderness surprising in such a send-up. An effective, even haunting riff on rare book catalogs. The trade edition consisted of 1000 copies in wrappers: 300 numbered and signed and 700 unsigned. This is the uncorrected proof copy. Apparently identical to the trade edition but with "Uncorrected Proof" printed on the front cover. Given the sophistication of the production and producers, probably a cleverly marketed print overrun rather than a true proof. Fine in wrappers and signed by Moody. [#911773] $35

NY, St. Martin's/Marek, (1985). The uncorrected proof copy. Warmly inscribed by the author in the month after publication. Some discoloration to spine; very good in wrappers, with publisher's author photo laid in. [#031041] $20

NY, Dutton, (1987). The advance reading copy. Inscribed by the author in 1991. Publicist's card laid in conveying the gift. Bookplate of another author, the recipient, inside the front cover. Foxing to top edge, near fine in wrappers. [#031044] $20

Boston, Godine, (1979). The uncorrected proof copy of her first book, a collection of stories that won an award from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. Spine and lower rear panel abraded from label removal; still about near fine in wrappers. Signed by the author. [#006530] $95

(NY), (Viking), (2006). Two volumes: signed copies of both the advance reading copy and the first printing of the first edition. The first edition is signed by Mortenson; the advance reading copy is signed by both Mortenson and David Relin. Textual differences exist between the advance copy and the first edition. An inspirational, then infamous, account of Mortenson's quest to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan in response to kindnesses bestowed on him by locals while he was lost in Pakistan after an unsuccessful ascent of K2, a quest that led to his founding the Central Asia Institute and to an ongoing effort that has resulted in the building of hundreds of schools. The hardcover edition sold only 20,000 copies; the paperback sold over four million copies in more than 40 countries and stayed on The New York Times bestseller list for more than four years, until, in 2011, author Jon Krakauer revealed on 60 Minutes that Mortenson and Relin had taken liberties with the narrative and, in Mortenson's case, liberties with his financial relationship to the Central Asia Institute. The first edition is signed by Mortenson, who has added the word "Peace!" The advance reading copy is signed by Mortenson and by Relin, who at one point claimed sole authorship of the book, saying it was published with Mortenson as co-author over his objections. Relin committed suicide the year after the controversy broke. The advance reading copy has a mild corner tap and slight cover splaying and is very near fine. The first edition is fine in a fine dust jacket, with a ticket and a program for a Mortenson reading (of the sequel, Stones Into Schools) laid in. Each book has a custom clamshell case. A bestselling story of a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated attempt to achieve peace through education, flawed only by its being more inspirational than true. Note: proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Room To Read, an unassociated organization of similar vision. [#032663] SOLD

NY, Knopf, 1993. The advance reading copy of this novel by the author of the award-winning collection The Middleman and Other Stories. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers and publisher's pictorial slipcase. [#011972] $20

NY, Dutton, 1970. Folded and gathered sheets of his fourth book and first of nonfiction, a memoir of his political awakening in the late 1950s and early 1960s, which led to an active involvement in the Civil Rights movement and the movement against the war in Vietnam. Inscribed by the author in 1976. Fine, partially stapled into a very good dust jacket. Neugeboren has more recently written more nonfiction, recounting his brother's battle with mental illness and his own experience of open heart surgery: both received extensive critical praise. [#012941] SOLD

(Thetford), Self-Published, (2001). The uncorrected proof copy, published by Nichols himself in an edition of 100 copies. Inscribed by the author to Peter Matthiessen and with an autograph note signed laid in, written across the top of a photocopied letter to friends about the writing of the work. This proof covers "Part One - Revised" and "Beginning Part Two." As best as we can tell, Simple Gifts remains unpublished. Nichols died in 2010. The Vermont author was a neighbor and friend of Grace Paley and of Peter Schumann, the founder and director of the Bread and Puppet Theater. The letter is folded and near fine; the proof is fine in wrappers. [#032506] $185

(n.p.), Crown, (2000/2001). An advance copy, in the form of a tapebound typscript (computer printout, double-spaced, double-sided). Laid in is a typed letter signed from Nicosia to Peter Matthiessen, requesting a quote from him to use as publicity. Nicosia also says he would like to talk to him about a future book, about Mumia Abu-Jamal "and the war on people of color that is being waged by our justice system." Quotes from other writers about Home to War have been laid in as well. Small tape repair lower spine; near fine in an acetate cover. [#032128] $45

Chapel Hill, Algonquin Books, 1997. The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Patches of blue ink (same color as the cover) on the foredge; else fine in wrappers. [#913677] SOLD

NY, Knopf, 1985. The uncorrected proof copy of O'Brien's fourth novel, about a man compelled to dig a bomb shelter in his back yard to protect his family even if it means losing them in the process. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911797] SOLD

NY, Broadway Books, (1998). The uncorrected proof copy, in white wrappers. Much scarcer than the advance reading copy in pictorial wrappers. Signed by the author in the year of publication. Fine in wrappers. [#911810] $150

NY, Grove, (2001). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911835] $21

NY, Doubleday, (1994). The advance reading copy of his second book, first novel. Winner of the 1993 Pirates Alley William Faulkner Prize for the Novel. Inscribed by the author: "For ___, this cold, cold book. Stay warm!" Fine in wrappers. [#030018] $85

NY, Doubleday, (1996). The advance reading copy of his third book, second novel, a Vietnam and post-Vietnam story. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911823] SOLD

NY, Doubleday, (1997). The advance reading copy. A novel, originally to have been called "Dear Stephen King." Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911827] $35

NY, Knopf, 2000. The uncorrected proof copy of the American edition. Signed by the author. This is the second state, which is smaller than the first state, approximately 5-5/8" x 8-3/8" and, among other format changes, has the cover art bound in. Fine in wrappers. [#911859] $50

NY, Knopf, 1992. The uncorrected proof copy of the American edition of his Booker Prize-winning novel, the basis for an award winning film. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911852] SOLD

(NY), New American Library, (1966). The uncorrected proof copy of her first book, one of a handful of literary first novels published by NAL during the mid-60s, including John Gardner's The Resurrection and William Gass's Omensetter's Luck. Tall, comb-bound galley sheets. Laid in is a letter sent by editor David Segal to author John Barth, sending him "yet another first novel" and requesting "the pleasure of reading your opinion," as it appears Barth had made it clear that he would not be offering "a quotable quote." A noteworthy letter: Segal took over the newly founded hardcover publishing branch of New American Library, which previously had specialized in paperback publishing only -- notably the Signet and Mentor imprints, which reprinted classics and bestsellers. Segal immediately began publishing literary fiction by young, unknown writers, and in the course of a couple of years introduced William Gass, John Gardner, Michael Shaara, Alice Adams and Cynthia Ozick to the world, all of whom went on to become major American authors. It's a bit surprising that Barth would have been averse to providing a "quotable quote" for the likes of these, but apparently that was the case. This copy is signed by Barth on the first page and with his address stamp on the front cover. Ozick's name was left off the cover and has been added in ink. Mild sunning and curling to the covers; small tear at upper spine; about near fine. A very scarce proof of an important first book, and a copy with exceptionally interesting provenance. [#031477] SOLD

NY, Doubleday, (2001). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#911872] SOLD

London, Jonathan Cape, (1999). The uncorrected proof copy of the first British edition. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#031736] SOLD

(NY), Bloomsbury, (2002). The advance reading copy of the first American edition. Signed by the author. Trace rubbing to spine ends, else fine in wrappers. [#916665] $21

(London), Orion Books, (2003). The advance reading copy of the British edition of the third of his Derek Strange and Terry Quinn books. Inscribed by Pelecanos three months prior to publication: "To ___, from one Greek-American to another, with respect." Fine in wrappers. [#023035] SOLD

NY, Random House, (2004). The advance reading copy. Signed by the author. Fine in wrappers. [#916692] $21