J R [Signed]

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1975. First Printing. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. A superlative signed First Edition (so stated) of this "epic work," the "greatest satirical novel in American literature." (Literary Encyclopedia) Royal 8vo (236 x 152mm): [6],726,[4]pp. Publisher's black cloth, titled in gilt on spine and in blind on upper board, top edge stained pink, untrimmed fore-edge; illustrated dust jacket priced $15. Signed by Gaddis on half-title. Fine (and unread), very tightly bound and fresh throughout; Fine jacket. Twenty years after publishing his first book, The Recognitions, one of Time magazine's 100 best novels, Gaddis produced this highly acclaimed work, winner of the National Book Award. The first line of the novel presents its theme: "-Money...?". J R tells the story, through conversations, letters, and telephone calls (indeed, the novel's 726 pages contain very little but dialogue), of eleven-year-old J. R. Vansant, who accumulates an enormous fortune from his school's public telephone booth. Gaddis draws on a huge range of social and economic thinkers from Marx, to Max Weber, George Simmel, and George Bernard Shaw, whose interpretation of Wagner's Ring as an allegory of the rise of capitalism is central to J R. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).