“SO: THERE HAD BEEN A MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE IN AN UNIMPORTANT CASE IN A SMALL MIDWESTERN TOWN”

WILDER, Thornton. The Eighth Day. New York, Evanston, and London: Harper & Row, (1967). Octavo, original navy cloth, original printed paper spine label, top edge gilt, uncut, original glassine dust jacket, original slipcase with printed paper label. $600.

Signed limited first edition, number 147 of 500 copies signed by Wilder, of his acclaimed “suspenseful and deeply moving” blend of mystery and philosophy (New York Times).

Wilder's first novel in almost three decades and winner of the National Book Award, The Eighth Day relates the impact of an unjust murder conviction on two Midwestern families at the turn of the 20th century. "Eventually the true murderer is revealed, although one scarcely cares by then. The crime itself has become secondary. The lives of the characters, their beliefs and the daily circumstances of their living are what have become important… [Wilder] remains true to form and does not clearly answer the deeper questions the novel poses about fate and divine will. Questions of faith are left for the reader to ponder" (Schumacher, 33). Simultaneously issued with the first trade edition and the "first special edition," an unknown number of copies "reserved for friends of the Author and the House." Schumacher 13. Bruccoli & Clark III:370.

A fine copy.