Rabbit, Run

London: André Deutsch, 1961. First British Edition. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. A stunning First Impression (unread and virtually pristine) of the author's second novel (after The Poorhouse Fair), the first installment in the Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom series. Crown 8vo (196 x 130mm): [8],307,[3]pp. Publisher's medium brown cloth-effect paper-covered boards, spine lettered in gold; later state variant dust jacket (not noted by De Bellis & Broomfield), illustrated by Frances Corby and priced 18s. Cover tips bumped, else Fine. De Bellis & Broomfield A4.b.1. First published the previous year in New York, Rabbit, Run gives voice to the many influences that shaped Updike's literary approach, "from its Joycean use of internal monologue to the protagonist's status as a Kierkegaardian "Knight of Faith". The novel focuses on a 23-year-old former high school basketball star named Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom who, upon returning home one day after losing his job, decides on impulse to abandon his pregnant wife and their young son. . . . His last name, "Angstrom", can be understood to mean "stream of angst", and, to be sure, some sort of spiritual anguish seems to be driving Rabbit on his quest. At the same time, Rabbit remains throughout a selfish, limited man who nevertheless maintains a complex, elusive appeal." (Literary Encyclopedia) 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.).