Books

Limited edition. Signed by Bret Easton Ellis, illustrator Rob Wood, and Michael Russem, the book designer; the latter in pencil. Publisher's copy of the numbered issue, limited to 350 numbered books and a small group of PC (publisher's) copies. This PC copy was given by Paul Suntup to Russem in acknowledgement of his work on the book. Handbound in publisher's leather covered boards stamped in blind with butterfly sewn lace binding; housed in a cigar-style box covered in Italian cloth. Fine with faint rubbing at edges in a Fine box; no bookmark. A striking copy of McCarthy's magnum opus signed by American Psycho and Less than Zero author and screenwriter, Bret Easton Ellis. One of the most sought-after publications of Suntup Press.

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.