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Appointment in Samarra
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Appointment in Samarra Paperback - 2008

by John O'Hara


About this book

At the ripe age of twenty-eight, John O’Hara completed Appointment in Samarra, his first novel, in less than four months. At a similarly quick pace, the events of the book take place in a span of just three days. In this brief time, Appointment in Samarra tells of the increasingly impulsive and self-destructive acts that lead to the main character’s suicide. Julian English, once a high-ranking member of the community of Gibbsville, angers and alienates those close to him, resulting in the rapid decline of his social status. Specific explanations for Julian’s behavior are unclear in the text, though personal insecurities along with his alcoholism undoubtedly play a role. The small-town prejudices of Gibbsville (O’Hara’s fictionalized version of his hometown, Pottsville, Pennsylvania) greatly affect Julian’s demise as well. Omniscient narration works to expose these prejudices via the inner thoughts of various people in the town.

The title, Appointment in Samarra, is a reference to W. Somerset Maugham's 1933 retelling of an old story in his play, Sheppey. In the story, which appears as an epigraph for the novel, Death speaks of meeting a merchant in Samarra, informing the reader from the beginning of the novel’s fatal ending. In his foreword to the 1952 reprint, O'Hara says that the working title for the novel was The Infernal Grove. It was not until fellow writer Dorothy Parker showed him the story in Maugham's play that he got the idea for the title Appointment in Samarra.

Modern Library ranked Appointment in Samarra 22nd on its list of the “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century.

From the publisher

Set during the Depression, O'Hara's novel focuses on the activities of Julian and Caroline English, leading socialites in the small town of Gibbsville, Pennsylvania, who are cast out after an impulsive gesture against social pretences.

First Edition Identification

Harcourt, Brace & Company first published Appointment in Samarra in 1934. Bound in black cloth, the 301-page first edition states “First Edition” on the copyright page. The dust jacket has the original price of $2.50 printed on the front flap and “Recent Fiction” printed on the back panel (instead of reviews). While true first editions of the novel have sold for upwards of $12,500, first editions signed by O’Hara have sold for twice that.

Details

  • Title Appointment in Samarra
  • Author John O'Hara
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Paperback
  • Pages 251
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Vintage Books USA
  • Date 2008-04
  • ISBN 9780099518327 / 0099518325
  • Weight 0.45 lbs (0.20 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.7 in (19.56 x 12.95 x 1.78 cm)
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Appointment in Samarra

Appointment in Samarra

by O'Hara, John

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ISBN 13
9780099518327
ISBN 10
0099518325
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Paperback. Very Good.
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Appointment in Samarra (Vintage Classics)

Appointment in Samarra (Vintage Classics)

by O'Hara, John

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Paperback
ISBN 13
9780099518327
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0099518325
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Vintage Books USA, 2008. Paperback. Good. Disclaimer:A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine may show signs of wear. Pages can include limited notes and highlighting, and the copy can include previous owner inscriptions. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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APPOINTMENT IN SAMARRA
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

APPOINTMENT IN SAMARRA

by O'HARA,JOHN

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780099518327
ISBN 10
0099518325
Quantity Available
1
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Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
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Classic, 2008. Paperback. New. 272 pages. 7.76x5.12x0.67 inches.
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Appointment in Samarra

Appointment in Samarra

by John O'Hara

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780099518327
ISBN 10
0099518325
Quantity Available
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Paperback / softback. New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; <b>John O'Hara</b> was born in Pennsylvania on 31 January 1905. His first novel, <i>Appointment in Samarra</i> (1934), won him instant acclaim, and he quickly came to be regarded as one of the most prominent writ
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Appointment in Samarra

Appointment in Samarra

by John O'Hara

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780099518327
ISBN 10
0099518325
Quantity Available
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Paperback / softback. New. Julian English is part of the social elite of his 1930s American hometown but from the moment he impetuously throws a cocktail in the face of one of his powerful business associates his life begins to spiral out of control - taking his loving but troubled marriage with it. This is a blackly comic depiction of the fall of Julian English.
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NZ$22.35
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Appointment in Samarra (Vintage Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Appointment in Samarra (Vintage Classics)

by O'Hara, John

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780099518327
ISBN 10
0099518325
Quantity Available
1
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Vintage Books USA, 2008-04-01. Paperback. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
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