Books

New York: The Viking Press, 1952. Signed Limited First Edition. Near Fine/Near Fine. First edition, limited issue; one of 1,500 copies signed by John Steinbeck, of which 750 were for private distribution. [viii], 602 pp. Bound in publisher's original green buckram lettered in gilt with spine blocked in brown, all edges stained terra-cotta; housed in publisher's faux-wood grain slipcase. Fine with light spot of soiling to verso of limitation page and half-title in Near Fine publisher's acetate jacket with small chip and closed tear at one spine end, light chipping to corners and slight darkening to the spine panel. Rubbing to slipcase at extremities with light fading and black marker on one edge and small dampstain near opening. The deluxe signed limited edition of what many consider Steinbeck's best novel. Based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel, it was adapted into film in 1955, directed by Elia Kazan and starring James Dean.

East of Eden is a novel by American author John Steinbeck. Published in September 1952, it is a saga telling the story of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—with a particular focus on the life of Adam Trask, his twin sons Caleb and Aron, and their complex relationship with each other and their father. The novel explores themes of depravity, beneficence, love, and redemption, and it vividly captures the rural Salinas Valley in California at the turn of the 20th century. Steinbeck considered 'East of Eden' to be his magnum opus.

Identify a first edition of 'East of Eden' by The Viking Press with the date 'September 1952' on the copyright page and the absence of the words 'First Published in September 1952' which would indicate a later printing.