Tortilla Flat, John Steinbeck
First edition, first printing of Steinbeck's first critical and commercial success. Reflecting the brilliance of his storytelling, the novel tells the story of a group of paisanos, led by the charismatic and resourceful Danny, as they navigate life, love and friendship in the colorful, hardscrabble world of Depression-era Monterey, California. With its blend of humor, pathos, and memorable characters, Tortilla Flat showcases Steinbeck's keen insight into the human condition and marked a major turning point in his career.
New York: Covici Friede Publishers, 1935. Publisher's original tan cloth, spine lettered in blue, blue topstain, pp. 317, black and white illustrations throughout. Original unrestored first state dust jacket designed by Ruth Stiles Gannett. First state dust jacket denoted by the lack of review blurbs. An about near fine copy in a very good, priced clipped dust jacket. Binding is tight, sturdy and square. Light softening to spine tips, a touch of spotting to topstain. Scattered foxing internally, else clean. Jacket remains bright and vivid with light shelfwear and minor chipping to extremities, split just starting between the front panel and spine, spine toned with a small dampstain. An attractive copy, protected in archival mylar.