Lovey Childs: A Philadelphian’s Story. By John O’Hara. First Trade Edition, First Printing. Random House. New York, 1969.

American author John O’Hara was one of the most popular fiction writers of his era. A prolific short story writer, he helped to revitalize the literary short story in the twentieth century, with major contributions to notable magazines, especially the New Yorker. His friends and contemporaries–including Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and John Steinbeck–praised his work both publicly and privately. Writers from the following generation, such as John Updike, expressed supreme admiration for O’Hara as well. Yet major literary awards alluded O’Hara, save a National Book Award for his novel Ten North Frederick. O’Hara also often refused to reprint his short stories in anthologies, and so much of his achievements have been overlooked by readers today. Lovey Childs: A Philadelphian’s Story is the last novel O’Hara published in his lifetime. It follows its titular character–a Philadelphian girl named Lovey–through a series of experiences that capture the time period, the place, and the character. It is an exceptional short novel by John O’Hara.

This first trade edition, first printing is in about-fine condition. In the original cloth, near-fine with only minor soiling to front board. Text block fine. In the original dust jacket, about-fine with only minor chipping, creases, and closed tears.

An about-fine first trade edition of Lovey Childs.