The Postman Always Rings Twice (First Edition)
by James M. Cain
- Used
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
James M. Cain's initial title for the book was "Bar-B-Que," thankfully altered as a result of a conversation Cain had, oddly enough, with screenwriter Vincent Lawrence. Lawrence told Cain that he was always anxious about the mail arriving because it often contained rejections for scripts he had submitted. Lawrence pointed out that he dreaded the second ring, because that practice in those days was relegated exclusively to the postman that goes back to the Victorian era in England. Cain decided it was an appropriate metaphor for the fate of the book's protagonist.
Near Fine in a moderately rubbed, about Near Fine, professionally restored dust jacket. In a custom gray cloth slipcase.
Haycraft Queen Cornerstone.
The Dark Page I: 1940-1949, p. 48.
Synopsis
The Postman Always Rings Twice , the first novel written by James M. Cain, was published in 1934 by Alfred A. Knopf. This book tells a dramatic story of murder and passion. Frank and Cora become lovers and conspire to murder Cora's husband, take over his diner, and live happily ever after. Things go wrong, and the novel is narrated by Frank from his prison cell on death row. The writing style epitomizes and in many ways pioneered hard-boiled crime drama, despite the author's distaste for the term. This book caused a sensation upon publication due to both the violence and sexual content.
Read More: Identifying first editions of The Postman Always Rings Twice (First Edition)
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Details
- Bookseller
- Royal Books, Inc. (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 156557
- Title
- The Postman Always Rings Twice (First Edition)
- Author
- James M. Cain
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- First Edition
- Publisher
- Alfred A. Knopf
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 1934
- Keywords
- Books into Film | Film Noir | Mystery and Crime | Hard-boiled Crime Fiction | Haycraft-Queen Cornerstone
- Bookseller catalogs
- Books into Film; Film Noir; Hard-boiled Crime Fiction; Haycraft-Queen Cornerstone; Mystery and Crime;
Terms of Sale
Royal Books, Inc.
If you have questions about a book, feel free to call us anytime at 410-366-7329. Mailing address: Royal Books / 32 West 25th Street / Baltimore, MD / 21218. We accept VISA/MC/AMEX/DISCOVER, check or money order, and PayPal (ID is mail@royalbooks.com).
All books noted as First Editions are also First Printings unless indicated otherwise. All books are guaranteed to be as described, and may be returned at any time for any reason for a full refund, including return postage. Libraries, institutions, and accredited dealers can be sent books with invoice.About the Seller
Royal Books, Inc.
About Royal Books, Inc.
www.royalbooks.com
We are an open shop located in the midtown section of Baltimore. Check our website for directions if you are coming through the Baltimore area. We are open 10AM-6PM EST, Monday through Friday. You may email an order at any time, 24 hours a day.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Jacket
- Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps...
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Cloth
- "Cloth-bound" generally refers to a hardcover book with cloth covering the outside of the book covers. The cloth is stretched...