DOCTOROW, E[dgar]. L[awrence]. (1931-2015) — Big As Life [Signed]

New York Simon & Schuster First Edition First Printing of Doctorow's second novel and scarcest book, never reprinted and later orphaned by the author (his web site makes no mention of this title). 8vo: (6),218pp. Publisher's crimson cloth, spine stamped in gilt, top edge stained crimson, cream-colored typographic jacket printed in red, green, and black and priced $4.95. Signed by Doctorow on title page. About Fine (light soiling to spine and upper cover), square, tight and bright; Fine jacket, quite striking. Fine- Fine [T]wo giant humanoids from another time continuum appear in New York Harbor and, while they pose no immediate threat because of their incredible slowness, the city panics, the social order collapses and a newly formed government agency uses the crisis in ways that hint at totalitarianism. Though of stylistic interest for its vivid evocation of the different language registers of the characters, the novel is weakly structured and its various strands never quite merge into a coherent vision. (Literary Encyclopedia) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed.