Carver, Raymond

Where I'm Calling From: New and Selected Stories

Franklin Center, PA: The Franklin Library, 1988. Limited First Edition. Hardcover. Signed by Raymond Carver. "An acclaimed master of the contemporary story, Raymond Carver selects the thirty best stories of his illustrious career (revising some of them for this collection), and adds seven new stories, to give us a startlingly original look at American culture. In an unforgettable voice, Carver speaks to us- of ordinary people, of deserted wives and lovers, of drunks and seedy characters. His portrayal of the current American scene is perfect down to the last detail- the jobs, the cars, the homes, the laughter. This is a collection that will stay with you long after the final tale." (from prospectus) The final collection of stories published during the lifetime of Raymond Carver (1938-1988, b. Raymond Clevie Carver Jr.), the canonical American short story writer & poet considered by some critics to be among the ever-most important, & whose works are now enshrined in the Library of America series. Here we offer the limited Franklin Library subscriber's edition, an exemplary & elegant production with richly decorated leather binding; gilt lettering, illustrative elements & text block edges; marbled-style paste-downs & endpapers; & silken ribbon. Without dust jacket as issued. With two-page frontispiece illustration by noted artist Steve Johnson specially commissioned for this edition, & a "special message" from Carver preceding title page. On second blank front endpaper, Carver has hand-written his signature in blue ink. On the page following signature leaf, publisher states: "This limited first edition of/ WHERE I'M CALLING FROM/ has been privately printed,/ and personally signed by Raymond Carver,/ exclusively for members of/ The Signed First Edition Society." There is also a reference to this being a "First Edition" on title page, but no particular number of copies is noted on either page or anywhere in the volume. Also present, between front & rear paste-downs & endpapers respectively, are: A facsimile letter from the publisher about Carver & this collection, single sheet folded once horizontally in very fine condition; & a prospectus for this collection, single thick sheet, in fine condition with only a thin line of browning at esp. right & lower edges, corners & a few tiny bumps at same & other edges, corner (both printed on one side only). A most stately & collectible version of this classic Carver collection in very fine, all-but-pristine condition with only sparse, faint scratching at gilt side edges of text block; otherwise substantially mint inside & out. An extra handling fee will be added for shipping due to the weight of this item. Very Fine. [Item #5644]

Price: $200.00