Books

140 pp. Same date with 'A' on copyright page, above colophon. Blue cloth with brilliant silver lettering on spine (slight chipping of finish to very small portion of Publisher name at lower spine, but overall appearance remains brilliant); debossed Author signature at bottom right front cover. First state Dustwrapper not price-clipped ($3.00) with blue (Ocean) background at top half front cover, above beige and brown rendering of small coastal shacks overlooking 3 small moored boats (across middle front cover); brown background across lower third front cover for title lettering in beige (perhaps originally white) superimposed; "Jacket design by A."; blue-tinted photo-portrait of Author on rear cover (age-toned around perimeters). 2 1/4" tear up from bottom right spine edge, paralleled by 1 5/8" tear up from bottom left spine edge; 1" x 1 1/4" x 1/2" triangular piece missing at top left front cover at spine edge; several chips and small tears along edges; small rubbing wear at corners; 1/4" thin bit missing near midpoint left spine edge: Long in mylar which saves appearance mightily. Book itself: Lightly browned edges and pages lightly age-toned (fine linen, textured); Strong binding (NO cracks); square corners (NO pronounced bumps or curls, but hint of tip wear and aspiring tip bumps); Previous owner name and street address across top ffep. Still solid copy in fragile, mylar-protected dustwrapper: the way to own, gift, or read a Nobel Prize-winning book just over 70 years-old.

"The Old Man and the Sea" is a novella written by Ernest Hemingway and published in 1952. Set in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Cuba, the story follows Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman, as he engages in an epic struggle against a massive marlin, a battle that becomes a profound test of his strength, endurance, and determination. The novella begins with Santiago, who has not caught a fish in 84 days, feeling unlucky and discouraged. Despite the skepticism of others, Santiago remains determined to prove himself and set out to sea alone in his small skiff, the "Santíago." He sets his lines far out into the Gulf Stream and patiently waits for a catch. After a long wait, Santiago finally feels a tug on one of his lines and realizes he has hooked a massive marlin. The ensuing battle between man and fish is grueling and intense, with Santiago struggling against the marlin's immense strength and refusing to give up despite exhaustion and physical pain. As the struggle continues, Santiago's thoughts turn to the nature of life, fate, and the human condition. He reflects on his own mortality and the passage of time, finding solace in memories of his youth and past accomplishments. Throughout the ordeal, Santiago demonstrates courage, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world. Eventually, after a relentless struggle lasting several days, Santiago manages to harpoon the marlin and lash it alongside his skiff. However, Santiago's triumph is short-lived, as sharks are drawn to the marlin's blood and begin to attack the carcass, destroying Santiago's prize catch. Despite the loss of the marlin, Santiago returns to shore with his head held high, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow fishermen. Although physically defeated, Santiago emerges spiritually triumphant, having proved his worth as a fisherman and reaffirmed his dignity in the face of adversity. "The Old Man and the Sea" is a timeless tale of courage, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Hemingway's spare and evocative prose captures the beauty and brutality of the natural world, while Santiago's struggle against the marlin serves as a powerful metaphor for the universal human experience of striving against the odds.