Books

First edition with remainder mark. From an initial print run of 5,000 copies, of which only 1,883 sold (per The McCarthyist). This was McCarthy's magnum opus, a book that sold poorly when it was first published and is seen as one of the great American novels. First edition (first and only printing). With a light star remainder mark on the bottom edge of the page block. This copy has some soiling to the outer edge of the page block and a bit of yellowing to the endpapers. The jacket has light shelfwear to the edges. This copy comes from the Tom Garner collection; it was scouted by Tom long before McCarthy was hot?a $75 price is penciled on the rear endpaper.

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.