The Bridge of San Luis Rey
by WILDER, THORNTON
- Used
- Signed
- first
- Condition
- First American Edition; preceded by the English edition and a "preliminary" issue of the American edition with a slightly differ
- Seller
-
Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
New York: A. & C. Boni, 1927. First American Edition; preceded by the English edition and a "preliminary" issue of the American edition with a slightly different title page. Very good in a chipped dust jacket. Signed by Wilder on the title page. Laid into this copy is an excellent two page holograph letter, signed by Wilder, New Haven, Sept. 23, 1940, to Miss Tully regarding the editing of some later material, “...In talking to my friends I often use foolish out-of-date slang indicating by the voice that it is intentionally naive and to them in writing I keep up the same vein. But the same expressions read by those who do not know me looks like some out-of-the world fogey who does not know that times have changed...”
Synopsis
The Bridge of San Luis Rey is American author Thornton Wilder's second novel, first published in 1927 to worldwide acclaim. It tells the story of several interrelated people who die in the collapse of an Inca rope-fiber suspension bridge in Peru, and the events that lead up to their being on the bridge. A friar who has witnessed the tragic accident then goes about inquiring into the lives of the victims, seeking some sort of cosmic answer to the question of why each had to die.
Read More: Identifying first editions of The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Reviews
On Oct 5 2010, Sergerca said:
We all have a worldview (don't we?) that influences just about everything we encounter. Literature is no exception. Perhaps that is why I thought the main point of Thornton Wilder's outstanding The Bridge of San Luis Rey was so obvious.In many of the reviews I've read, many have stated that Wilder leaves the main conclusion up to the reader. I must disagree. The final line, so quoted by many of the reviewers, makes it all very clear to me. "All those impulses of love return to the love that made them." Perhaps, had Wilder capitalized the second "love" more would have drawn the same conclusion as I. That love is, of course, the love of the Father. This short book is rooted in Christian realism -- summed up in that final page. Life and God's ways as they pertain to life, are a mystery to the believer. Seemingly saintly people die far too early in inexplicable circumstances-- a bridge that has lasted for centuries one day breaks under the weight of an old woman, a cripple, an old man, a young girl, and a young man. But the "why" is not for us to know. We all must live in the comfort that it is His will that reigns, not ours, and that the love which sustained us in this life will see us to the next. Perhaps Brother Juniper found his answer. I know I recognized mine.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Peter L. Stern & Company, Inc.
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 35937P
- Title
- The Bridge of San Luis Rey
- Author
- WILDER, THORNTON
- Book Condition
- Used - First American Edition; preceded by the English edition and a "preliminary" issue of the American edition with a slightly differ
- Publisher
- A. & C. Boni
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 1927
Terms of Sale
Peter L. Stern & Company, Inc.
Items are returnable for any reason for a full refund. Please inform us within three days of receipt and provide the reason for the return.
About the Seller
Peter L. Stern & Company, Inc.
Biblio member since 2009
Newton, Massachusetts
About Peter L. Stern & Company, Inc.
With more than 35 years experience in the rare book trade, Peter L. Stern and Co., Inc. has established itself as a highly regarded firm of antiquarian booksellers.
Specializing in 19th and 20th century literature, signed and inscribed books, and manuscripts we maintain a high quality inventory. Our shop is located in the heart of Newton Centre where we are open by chance or appointment
In the long-standing tradition of the rare book trade we continue to mail regular catalogues to our customers. We are easily accessible via the MBTA Green Line's D Branch. We travel widely and attend both international and local book fairs.
Specializing in 19th and 20th century literature, signed and inscribed books, and manuscripts we maintain a high quality inventory. Our shop is located in the heart of Newton Centre where we are open by chance or appointment
In the long-standing tradition of the rare book trade we continue to mail regular catalogues to our customers. We are easily accessible via the MBTA Green Line's D Branch. We travel widely and attend both international and local book fairs.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Title Page
- A page at the front of a book which may contain the title of the book, any subtitles, the authors, contributors, editors, the...
- Jacket
- Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps...
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