The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien
Uncorrected proof of the first edition of one of the defining works of American literature to emerge from the Vietnam War. Through a sequence of interrelated stories, O’Brien deliberately unsettles the boundaries between fiction, autobiography, memory, and invention. The completed book was a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award; its title story had previously received the National Magazine Award. Housed in a later custom slipcase covered in striking mottled decorative paper, its black, smoke-gray, and cream cloud pattern forming a particularly effective presentation for the book.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin / Seymour Lawrence, 1990. Perfect-bound in the publisher’s cream printed wrappers, “uncorrected proofs” printed at the head of the front wrapper; pp. 273. The front wrapper reproduces a promotional letter from publisher Seymour Lawrence introducing O’Brien and the forthcoming book, concluding with Lawrence’s printed facsimile signature; advance praise and publication information printed on the rear wrapper. In near fine condition with a minor bump to spine crown. Slipcase in fine condition.