Capote, Truman | Presentation copy of the non-fiction classic of American literature

Capote, Truman

In Cold Blood. New York: Random House, 1965

8vo. Maroon cloth, stamped in gilt; spine faded, corners a little bumped. Dust jacket, 1/66 code to front flap, "Publishers of the American College Dictionary and the Modern Library" to rear flap; toned, cracked at joints with some tears, loss to head of spine, encroaching on title.

First trade edition, of this powerful true crime classic, a presentation copy inscribed by the author to "Mary Lee and Doug."

In Cold Blood was a result of Capote's extensive research into the Clutter family murders that took place in 1959. Having read about the murders in The New York Times, Capote and his friend and fellow author Harper Lee travelled to Kansas to investigate them. In Cold Blood became a pioneering example of New Journalism, evoking a true story and the real-life characters in it as events were unfolding. It was originally published in The New Yorker in four parts, and finally published in book form in January 1966.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (1909-2000) and his second wife Mary Lee are the dedicatees of this copy. Fairbanks Jr. was a prolific actor and producer in Hollywood and the UK as well as a decorated war veteran.

PROVENANCE:

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Mary Lee Epling (presentation inscription)