The Grapes of Wrath. by Steinbeck, John - 1939

New York: The Viking Press, 1939. First edition with "First Published in April 1939" on copyright page of the author's classic work. Octavo, bound in full morocco, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands, double gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. In fine condition. "The Grapes of Wrath is the kind of art that's poured out of a crucible in which are mingled pity and indignation Its power and importance do not lie in its political insight but in its intense humanity [It] is the American novel of the season, probably the year, possibly the decade" (Clifton Fadiman). It is the basis for the 1940 John Ford directed film, bearing the same name starring Henry Fonda. It is widely considered as one of the greatest American films of all time. In 1989, this film was one of the first 25 films to be selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Listed by Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of the twentieth century.