Books

London: Viking, 1992. A first edition, first printing of 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt, published by Viking in 1992. A near fine book - small name erased to the top of the title page. A little browning to the pages. In a near fine dust wrapper. The Secret History (1992) by Donna Tartt is a literary thriller that follows a group of elite college students studying classics at an exclusive Vermont university. The narrative, told from the perspective of Richard Papen, explores how the students, led by their enigmatic professor, become enmeshed in a world of intellectual arrogance and moral ambiguity. Their obsession with ancient Greek culture leads to a murder that unravels their lives. The novel delves into themes of beauty, ambition, and the dark side of intellectualism, blending psychological insight with a suspenseful plot. It is celebrated for its rich prose and intricate character development.

Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality, their lives are changed profoundly and, most horribly, they discover how hard it can be to truly live with what they have learned.