The Natural (with Trial Jacket).
New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1952. First Edition. Octavo. A remarkable copy of Malamud's classic first book, featuring a trial version of the now-iconic jacket design, printed before-letters in blue, rather than green, colorway. Accompanied by typescript letter signed by Gerald N. Greenberg of Harcourt, Brace and Company, suggesting that the jacket was likely used on a sample copy. This copy of the text near fine with some wear to corners; bound in the red cloth variant (in addition to those in blue and gray cloth, without priority). Some stress to front joint of jacket, with wear to corners and closed tear to rear panel; overall a bright and sharp specimen from an alternate history of American book design.
Item #29173
Price: $15,000.00