Books

First edition of perhaps the most important American novel of the 20th century, inscribed by Harper Lee to a close college friend and with a scarce archive of drawings and letters exchanged between the two. Octavo, original green cloth backed brown boards, titles to spine in gilt. Association copy, inscribed by Harper Lee to close University of Alabama college friend, Charles Weldon Carruth, "To my dear friend Charles, with love always -" Harper Lee." In the fall term of 1945, Lee and Carruth both enrolled in a Shakespeare course taught by one of the University of Alabama's most famous faculty members, Hudson Strode, who directed the school's theatre troupe and taught several courses in theatre and creative-writing. At the University of Alabama, Lee contributed a regular column to the campus newspaper, 'Caustic Comments for Crimson White', as well as many articles to the university's humor magazine, Rammer Jammer, of which she became editor in chief in 1946. Lee ultimately dropped out of college before graduation and moved to Manhattan in 1949 to pursue writing as a career; Carruth later moved to New York City as well, where he worked as a radio producer before becoming a writer and editor for the Catholic News. Near fine in the rare first-issue dust jacket which is in very good condition. Accompanied by an exceptionally rare archive of pencil and ink drawings sketched by Lee of Carruth, caricatures drawn by her while attending Strode's Shakespeare courses, an original acrylic portrait by Lee of Carruth inscribed by her on the verso "From Nelle Lee, Dec 25, 1952", and three letters written by Lee to Carruth regarding her thoughts on her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. Measuring 8 inches by 10 inches on ruled sheets of paper, the 11 drawings, four of which are signed by Lee "NLee", include 5 realist studies of Carruth in various poses and six captioned caricatures in ink depicting him as Shakespearean leads including: a portrayal of Shylock as a pawn shop owner and "Money Lender Extraordinaire: Easy Loans - Pound of Flesh Compounded Semi-Annually", King Lear standing on the cliffs of Dover with a price tag ($3.98) hanging from his cloak, Hamlet standing on a diving board with Yorick's skull and a bloody knife hidden behind his back (performed at the "Old Vic"), Julius Caesar smoking a pipe while "contemplating the infinite"; Othello towering over an angel and devil; Cassius dripping dry outside the Roman baths where "you must have a ticket before you bathe", Malvolio, "the impatient one," crossing his legs while "waiting to go to the jakes", and Carruth dressed as an unidentified female character with Carruth's note, "Fall Quarter/ Univ. Ala 1945". Additionally included is a caricature of Professor Strode wearing the breeches and curly-toed shoes of a court jester with his book "Timeless Mexico" in one hand and Yorick's skull in the other, signed "Nelle Lee" and dated "11/8/45. Showcasing not only the depth, but also the length of Lee and Carruth's friendship, the three letters include a letter written by Lee to Carruth in 1991 regarding his retirement, "My beloved Charlie, I can't think of anyone to whom these words apply more -" in your work, in your life -" 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.' .You are one of the most special people to me, and you have meant so much to my life." Two years later, in January 1993, the second letter thanks him for a ".lovely Christmas remembrance and, farther back, your memoir of Winston County [Alabama, where Carruth was born]." Despairing the changes occurring in her hometown, she continues, "You remember the Faulknerian prophecy -" the Snopeses shall inherit the earth? They've already taken over Monroeville - they are trying to turn Harper Lee into a tourist attraction like Graceland or Elvis." She goes on to discuss the restoration of the Old Courthouse, and remarks that she "nearly had a fit" after seeing a billboard featuring a mockingbird, des.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is a coming-of-age novel set in the racially segregated Southern United States during the 1930s. Narrated by Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, it follows her childhood experiences in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, where her father, Atticus Finch, a principled lawyer, defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Scout, along with her brother Jem and their friend Dill, becomes engrossed in the trial and witnesses the deep-seated racism and prejudice prevalent in their community. Despite Atticus' compelling defense and evidence proving Tom's innocence, the deeply ingrained racial bias leads to Tom's unjust conviction. Throughout the novel, Lee weaves a tapestry of themes such as racial injustice, moral growth, empathy, and the loss of innocence. Atticus serves as a moral compass, imparting valuable lessons about courage, integrity, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. The children also encounter the reclusive Boo Radley, a neighbor shrouded in mystery and superstition. Through their curiosity and empathy, they come to realize Boo's humanity, challenging the prejudices and preconceived notions within their society. Lee's eloquent narrative captures the complexities of human nature and societal norms, examining how prejudice and ignorance can breed injustice. The novel poignantly illustrates the harsh realities of racism while advocating for empathy and understanding. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a timeless masterpiece, celebrated for its poignant portrayal of moral courage, the loss of innocence, and the resilience of the human spirit. It remains a powerful indictment of social inequality and a testament to the enduring importance of compassion and empathy in confronting prejudice and injustice.