Books

"The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck. With a typed letter signed (TLS) by the author, dated September 25, 1952. It reads: "Dear Mr. Kauti: I have your letter of September the 22nd and I had already mailed back to you the two copies of THE GOOD EARTH. Now I have inscribed also the third copy and have returned it to you today. Yours Sincerely, Pearl S. Buck". Published by The John Day Company, New York, 1931. Winner of the 1932 Pulitzer Prize for Novel (Fiction). First edition, first printing, first issue; With edition points: "The copyright page states "COPYRIGHT, 1931, BY PEARL S. BUCK" and there is no mention of subsequent printings. The bottom of the copyright page says "FOR THE JOHN DAY PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC." which was later changed to "FOR THE JOHN DAY COMPANY" late into the first printing, and is found on all subsequent printings. So although the "JOHN DAY PUBLISHING COMPANY" error is the first state, the second state "JOHN DAY COMPANY" is much more scarce. The dust jacket is rare and adds most of the value to the book. It is the only Pulitzer Prize winning novel whose first trade edition is WITHOUT a price on the dust jacket. Even advance issues, identical to the first printing trade dust jacket, are without a price statement." With its very rare original dust jacket. The dust jacket is in good condition. Chipping and creasing to the edges with small chips to the rear panel. Stains to the panels and spine. Sunning to the spine with paper loss at the bottom edge. The book is in very good to very good plus condition. The boards are well preserved with firm edges. Faint sunning to the spine with rubbing to the gilt titling and decoration. The front board is slightly cocked. Previous owner's bookplate on the front paste-down. The binding is starting at page 23 and 283. The textblock is gently toned, largely clean, unmarked, and complete. A scarce copy of this American classic. Please view the many other rare titles available for purchase at our store. We are always interested in purchasing individual or collections of fine books. Inventory #(H8-40).

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck tells the story of Wang Lung, a poor Chinese farmer who rises from poverty to become a wealthy landowner. The novel explores his deep connection to the land, which he believes is the source of his prosperity. As Wang Lung acquires more land and wealth, he faces challenges related to his family, social status, and the changing values around him.