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New York: Random House, 1985. First Edition. McCarthy's fifth novel and undisputed masterpiece, a sweeping, terrible vision of the American west in the wake of the Civil War. The book sold poorly upon publication, selling just 1,883 copies prior to being remaindered (per Ahearn). In a 2006 survey by the New York Times, Blood Meridian was voted the runner-up for the best work of American fiction published in the last 25 years. First Printing. Octavo (21.5cm); red paper and cloth-covered boards, with titles stamped in gilt and metallic red on spine; dustjacket; [x],337,[5]pp. Some rubbing and faint moisture staining to lower 2" of backstip and lower half-inch of boards, resulting in some faint foxing to endpapers and lower edge of textblock, though the text internally remains clean; only Very Good. Dustjacket is unclipped (priced $17.95), with some light wear to exterior, though on the verso there is corresponding evidence of the moisture staining along the lower edge, extending…

Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian" is a visceral and harrowing novel set against the backdrop of the American Southwest in the mid-19th century. The story follows an unnamed teenage protagonist known as "the Kid" who, after leaving home, journeys through the desolate landscapes of the borderlands between Texas and Mexico. He becomes entangled with a band of scalp hunters led by the enigmatic and malevolent Judge Holden, a towering and erudite figure. The group's activities primarily involve hunting Native Americans for their scalps, as well as engaging in other acts of violence and savagery. The Kid's experiences with this group expose him to the ruthless and brutal nature of the American frontier. Throughout the novel, McCarthy presents stark and vivid descriptions of violence, depicting brutal massacres, conflicts, and atrocities committed by the scalp hunters and other groups in the lawless region. The narrative explores the darker aspects of human nature, revealing the relentless and unyielding violence that seems inherent in mankind. At the heart of the story is the enigmatic and inscrutable Judge Holden, a highly intelligent and sinister figure whose motives and true nature remain ambiguous. The Judge embodies a sense of malevolence and omniscience, serving as a symbol of the inherent evil and the relentless pursuit of power. "Blood Meridian" delves deep into themes of moral ambiguity, the consequences of unchecked violence, the corrupting nature of power, and the inherent darkness within humanity. McCarthy's prose, characterized by its poetic yet brutal language, vividly captures the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the American West while plumbing the depths of the human psyche. The novel is notable for its stark and unflinching portrayal of violence, its philosophical underpinnings, and its exploration of the futility of human existence in a brutal and unforgiving world. McCarthy's masterful storytelling, evocative prose, and haunting themes have cemented "Blood Meridian" as a challenging yet profound work in American literature.

The first edition can be identified by its distinctive dust jacket featuring a watercolor illustration, the publisher's full cloth binding, presence of a stated first edition or numbers line indicating a first printing, and ISBN '0394544821' on the publication information page.