"A PAGAN NOVEL FOR A PAGAN WORLD"
LEWIS, Sinclair. Arrowsmith. New York: Harcourt, Brace, (1925). Octavo, original buckram spine, blue paper boards, original printed paper label, top edge gilt, uncut, original glassine, acetate. $3200.
Signed limited first edition of what many consider Lewis' greatest novel, number 74 of only 500 large paper copies signed by him.
"Using for his theme the losing fight made by two men with whom scientific truth is religion, Mr. Lewis draws a picture for us that is disquieting in its disillusionment… Arrowsmith is a pagan novel for a pagan world… an authentic step forward" (Books of the Century, 63-64). Although Arrowsmith was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, Lewis declined the honor, ostensibly because Main Street (1921) had not been so honored. His rejection, however, also secured front-page status for this satire of the medical profession in the nation's newspapers. Adapted to the screen in 1931 by director John Ford. Issued on the same day as the stated second (first trade) edition. Without scarce slipcase. Pastore 9. Bruccoli & Clark III:213.
Book near pristine with mild toning to original paper spine label. A splendid about-fine copy.