The Day I Met a Lion

New York: Random House, 1968. 341 pp. First Printing. Octavo. Original gray cloth. Head and tail edges are trimmed. Wrapped in a dust jacket that has some wear along the head and tail. The jacket is overall in good condition. MacKinlay Kantor was an American journalist, novelist and screenwriter. In 1956, Kantor was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his 1955 novel Andersonville. His novels were typically set during important events in American history, such as the American Civil War. Kantor also had some of his novels adapted as films. To readers in the 1940s and 1950s, he would have been highly recognizable and respected. But by the 1970s, Kantor's work was becoming passé. "Your grandfather and grandmother would take him to their respective bosoms. Your present-day college son and daughter would find him strictly from 'Squaresville,"' wrote one critic. Another described one of Kantor's novels as "embarrassingly jingoistic." Today, Kantor, and his writing has become obscure. However, one of the joys of a rare book experience is to examine what was once considered important and popular to see if it still speaks to us. This signed first printing might also appeal to a collector. If rediscovering this vintage authour appeals, please have a look as we have recently acquired several inscribed, first printing Kantor titles that you may also enjoy.</p><p></p><p>As a note of provenance on this book, Kantor has inscribed this volume to "Dave with every good regard," and referenced pages 14 - 23, which is a short story entitled, "A Dirty Little Job For Dave, 1957." 1948