The Satanic Verses - A Comprehensive Collection of Rushdie's Own Annotated Photostat Transcript, Proof, Signed Booker/First Edition with Whitbread Band and Signed First Edition in the rare Purple Dust Wrapper

London: Viking, 1988. A set of four items relating to one of the most controversial books of the last century. Consisting: 'Transcript of the novel - photosstat copies of typed pages - from Wylie, Aitken & Stone Literary Agents, London, 1988. Pre-publication, literary agent's US and UK details to the title page. The work is a 616 A4 page photocopy of Rushdie's original typescript, with the author's multiple manuscript revisions and corrections. Signed to the final page. The transcript is stored in a custom made black card box. 'The Satanic Verses Proof' - famous for having no title page. In very good condition with usual signs of wear. The set is completed by both the exceptionally rare first trade edition in the purple variant dust wrapper with £12.95 as the pre-publication price. The book has been signed by Rushdie, and the usual blue wrappered trade edition with Whitbread wrap-raound band and signed to the Booker shortlist label on the front endpaper. A rare set of items. The British publication of Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses" in 1988 sparked a global controversy and ignited debates on freedom of expression and religious sensitivities. The novel explores themes of identity and religion through a magical realist lens. Its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad led to protests, fatwas, and death threats from some Muslim leaders. The British government supported Rushdie's right to free speech, but the bookstores faced bomb threats, and its publication triggered a heated international discourse. The "Rushdie Affair" remains a significant chapter in the ongoing discussion of religious tolerance, censorship, and artistic expression.