The Bruce Kahn Collection - Ken Lopez Bookseller

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The Bruce Kahn Collection
104. O’HARA, John. Appointment in Samarra. NY: Harcourt Brace
(1934). O’Hara’s famous first book, realistically detailing the three-day
disintegration of Julian English in O’Hara’s invented city of Gibbsville, PA.
Errata slip. Fine in a fine, first issue dust jacket. The nicest copy that we
have seen, and probably the nicest copy there is. Although O’Hara’s literary
reputation has slipped over time, Appointment in Samarra nonetheless
was named to the Modern Library list of the best 100 novels of the 20th
century. An important debut, and a stunning copy. $30000
105. O’HARA, John. Ten North Frederick. NY: Random House
(1955). Winner of the National Book Award and the basis for the film,
written and directed by Philip Dunne and featuring Gary Cooper and
Diane Varsi. Fine in a fine dust jacket. A beautiful copy. $250
106. ONDAATJE, Michael. The Dainty Monsters. (Toronto):
(Coach House) (1967). His first book, a volume of poetry. One of 500
numbered copies. This copy is inscribed by Ondaatje, “with best wishes,”
in 1968. Fine in a very near fine dust jacket with just a bit of creasing to
the upper edge. $2500
107. ONDAATJE, Michael. The Man With Seven Toes. (Toronto:
Coach House 1969). The hardcover issue. Nicely inscribed by the author
“with best wishes & love” in 1970. One of 300 numbered copies of the
true first edition of this very uncommon title. Fine in a dust jacket with a
touch of foxing, else fine. $3000
108. ONDAATJE, Michael. The Collected Works of Billy the Kid.
(Toronto): Anansi, 1970. The hardcover issue of this book, his first to win
the Governor General’s Award. Signed by the author. Fine in a second
state dust jacket with the announcement of the award printed on the front
cover; trace edge rubbing, near fine. The hardcover issue of this title is
easily his scarcest trade edition, with estimates of the print run tending to
be in the range of 250 copies. $2500
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