Two by O’Hara. By John O’Hara. Limited First Edition. Franklin Library. Franklin Center, 1979.

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. This resulted in many of his achievements being overlooked by readers today. This volume, however, reveals two shorter works published posthumously. One is a previously unpublished novella, the other an unpublished play. Together they uncover yet more of O’Hara’s talent.

This limited first edition is in near-fine condition. In the original leather, finely gilt stamped. Raised bands. Gilt spine label. Text block near-fine, only former owner’s signature to flyleaf. Gilt edges. Silk moire endpapers and bookmark sewn in.

A near-fine collector’s copy by John O’Hara.