"TIMSHEL!": FIRST TRADE EDITION OF STEINBECK'S EAST OF EDEN

STEINBECK, John. East of Eden. New York: Viking, 1952. Octavo, original green cloth, original dust jacket. $4200.

First trade edition of Steinbeck's epic and moving story of a modern Cain and Abel.

Steinbeck wrote that East of Eden "has everything in it I have been able to learn about my art or craft or profession in all these years," further claiming that everything he wrote prior to East of Eden "has been, in a sense, practice for this" (Salinas Public Library, 45). As a contemporary reviewer put it: "There is only one Steinbeck and no one writes about 'his people' as well" (W. Max Gordon). Published in the same month as the first signed limited edition of 1500 copies. Goldstone & Payne A32b. Bruccoli & Clark I:355. Valentine 218.

Book in near-fine condition, with very slight toning to cloth spine and edges; in an extremely good, price-clipped dust jacket with bright front panel, mild toning to spine and wear to spine head.