THE HAT ON THE BED: A Collection of 24 New Stories By John O'Hara

New York: Random House, 1963. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. The eighth collection of short stories by this mid-20th century American who became widely popular for his short fiction before his novels, such as "Butterfield 8," "Appointment in Samarra," and "Pal Joey," became best sellers. This copy of "The Hat on the Bed" is first edition, first printing (as stated). About 6 x 8 1/2 inches, 405 pages in blue-green cloth-covered boards with author's name in gold across top of front cover. Author, title and publisher in deep blue boxes on spine in gold lettering. Random House icon also gilded. Top edge of text dyed blue-green, end pages in green. Dustjacket's front panel shows simple graphic design in blue and black on tan background. Back panel contains list of 24 of O'Hara's books. Boards and text are complete, clean and unmarked, without noticeabel flaws or damage such as tears, chipping, creasing or bumped corners. Not ex-library or remaindered. Dustjacket may show very slightly darkened spine but is o/w in similar condition. This is a very collectable copy of this collection of O'Hara stories, nine of which were published here for the first time. O'Hara's combative personality, alcohol problems and political views did not win respect for his writing among critics and reviewers and he remains greatly underappreciated, especially for his short fiction, nearly half a century later.