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The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
Chapel Hill, Algonquin Books, 2010. A surprisingly fascinating memoir of a woman's debilitating illness being eased by the companionship of a snail. Winner of the 2011 John Burroughs Medal and basis for the award-winning 2019 short film, narrated by Daryl Hannah and starring Ariela Kuh and Neohelix Albolaris (the snail). This copy is inscribed by the author to her aunt, prior to publication: "Dear Aunt Betty: Many thanks for reading the manuscript! Here it is -- bound & real. Love, Beth. 8/4/10 ETB [drawing of a snail]." With the aunt's ownership signature, "B. Miles." Bailey's aunt (by marriage) was Betty Miles, the author of more than two dozen books for young people, tackling such themes as sexism and censorship. Very near fine in a near fine dust jacket with very faint dampstaining to the upper front corner. Reprinted many times; signed first printings are scarce, and this one with a meaningful association. [#034626] SOLD

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