Butterfield 8

New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1935. First Printing. Hardcover. Near Fine+/Near Fine+. First Edition (so stated) of O'Hara's third book (second novel), and easily among his best. 8vo: [4],310pp. Publisher's black varnished V cloth, spine lettered in gilt, illustrated dust jacket priced $2.50. Hint of a lean, few faint spots of loss to varnish and minor rubbing to spine gilt, else a Near Fine or better copy in Near Fine or better jacket, vibrant and bright with several short edge tears and nicks. A very sharp, unrestored copy of a title prone to fading and heavy wear. Bruccoli A4.1.a. Hanna 2701. Coan, p. 111. Witham, p. 308. "Set in the district of New York City covered by the Butterfield 8 telephone exchange, the story recounts the final days in Gloria Wandrous's tragically short life in the late spring of 1930. . . . Flashbacks detail a history of pre-adolescent sexual abuse, liberal misuse of alcohol and far too many encounters with men. This time, Gloria desperately hopes, will be different. . . . O'Hara always claimed that his various protagonists were taken from the psychological profiles of real people, but here was a bone fide roman à clef, drawn from the diaries and tragic demise of one Starr Faithful, alleged to have had relationships with a number of prominent citizens, including former mayor Jimmie Walker." (Literary Encyclopedia) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).