Books

London: Jonathan Cape, 1985. First British edition of Irving's sixth novel. Octavo, original boards. Presentation copy, lengthily inscribed by the author in the year of publication on the front free endpaper, "Dear Kaylie, Happy Birthday, 1985, to a young writer from a moderately-old one; here is the first and-as of your birthday-only British copy of this book in America! John Irving." Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Honi Werner. An exceptional inscription. Set in rural Maine in the first half of the 20th century, it tells the story of Dr. Wilbur Larch- saint and obstetrician, founder and director of the orphanage in the town of St. Cloud's. It is also the story of Dr. Larch's favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is never adopted. 'Superb in scope and originality, a novel as good as one could hope to find from any author, anywhere, anytime. Engrossing, moving, thoroughly satisfying" (Joseph Heller). Basis for the 1999 film directed by Lasse…

The Cider House Rules is a novel by American writer John Irving, published in 1985. The story, set in rural Maine, deals with themes of birth, death, and the choices that shape our lives through the eyes of an orphaned boy, Homer Wells, and Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist who runs the orphanage.