Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University Press, 1980. Signed by Walker Percy. A posthumously published novel that was the first work of fiction published by the LSU Press: and which had a very small first printing (reportedly 2500 copies), Initially the book was rejected by dozens of publishers and the author committed suicide in 1969. Years later the author's mother brought the manuscript to Walker Percy, insisting that he read it. Percy overcame his initial hesitations and championed the book, arranging for its publication and contributing an introduction. Excellent reviews and word of mouth led to its becoming a best-seller, and it won the Pulitzer Prize. One tiny foredge spot, else a fine and tight copy (the boards tend to splay on most copies) in a very near fine, first issue dust jacket with only trace wear to the corners and a hint of rubbing near the spine crown. A high spot of American fiction over the last half century. [#032691] SOLD