- 115
[Salinger, J. D.]
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Hamilton, Ian. J. D. Salinger. A Writing Life. New York: Random House, 1986
- INK,PAPER
8vo (9 x 6 in.; 228 x 153 mm). Publisher's printed yellow wrappers; spine sunned, covers with some browning.
Condition
Condition as described in catalogue entry.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
First state of the uncorrected proofs of Hamilton's controversial unpublished biography of Salinger. This copy is bound from the May 1986 setting of the text, with all suppressed content extant of Hamilton's biography. Only about 100 copies were printed. This is the only record of the biography as Hamilton originally intended it to be published and the only appearance in print of significant portions of the Salinger letters from which Hamilton quoted. With the incorrect spelling of the author's name ("Hamiton") on the front cover and title-page.
The book was never published as a result of judicial decisions in the U. S. Supreme Court case of J. D. Salinger vs. Random House and Ian Hamilton (1987). Salinger saw these proofs in autumn 1986 and requested that all quotes be removed, threatening legal action. Hamilton set about revising the book by paraphrasing even more of the quotations, through it was "unpleasant work and I disliked having him seem duller than he was" (Granta, 1988). A second set of proofs was released in September 1986. Despite the revisions, Salinger took Random House to court. The legal proceedings, culminating in a Supreme Court case, resulted in a final judgement in favor of Salinger.