A Lion Among Men. Inscribed by Gregory Maguire. Signed Limited First Edition, First Printing. HarperCollins. New York, 2008.

American author Gregory Maguire is a master of fiction for both children and adults. He has written dozens of novels, the widely acclaimed being his Wicked series. They revitalized the Oz universe by subverting its politics and characterizations, revealing counternarratives for the Wicked Witch of the West and others. Maguire’s novels are decidedly more adult, too, reading more like sharp literary fiction than the pure fantasy of L. Frank Baum’s work. This volume, A Lion Among Men, is the third installment. It follows one of the most beloved Oz characters: the Cowardly Lion. His past as an orphan cub is revealed, and his role in a looming war unfolds. The work remains a favorite among Maguire readers, enriching what was previously a flat character in the Cowardly Lion.

This signed limited first edition, first printing is inscribed by Maguire on the publisher’s limitation page. The inscription reads: “Courage! 15 May 2010”–indicating Maguire handled this copy after its 2008 release. It is in fine condition. In the original casing, fine. Text block fine. In the original dust jacket, fine. Signed first edition sticker to front panel.

A fine inscribed limited first edition of A Lion Among Men.