Description
Franklin Library leather edition of Bernard Malamud's "The Magic Barrel," and "Idiots First," a Limited edition, Illustrated by Bert Silverman, one of the COLLECTED STORIES OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST WRITERS series, published in 1978. Bound in a camel tan leather, the book has light orange French moire silk end leaves, acid-free paper, Symth-sewn binding, hubbed spine, satin book marker, gold gilding on three edges---in Very Good/near FINE condition---except for fading on the spine. Bernard Malamud, who lived from 1914-1986, was an American novelist and one of the best known American Jewish authors of the 20th century. The thirteen stories in "The Magic Barrel " won the 1959 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction. Many of the individual stories depict the search for hope and meaning within the bleak enclosures of poor urban settings. The title story focuses on the unlikely relationship of Leo Finkle, an unmarried rabbinical student, and Pinye Salzman, a colorful marriage broker. Finkle has spent most of life with his nose buried in books and therefore isn’t well-educated in life itself. However, Finkle has a greater interest – the art of romance. He engages the services of Salzman, who shows Finkle a number of potential brides from his "magic barrel" but with each picture Finkle grows more uninterested. After Salzman convinces him to meet Lily Hirschorn, Finkle realizes his life is truly empty and lacking the passion to love God or humanity. When Finkle discovers a picture of Salzman’s daughter and sees her suffering, he sets out on a new mission to save her. Other well-known stories included in the collection are: "The Last Mohican," "Angel Levine," "The First Seven Years," and "The Mourners." This last story focuses on Kessler, the defiant old man in need of "social security" and Gruber, the belligerent landlord who doesn't want Kessler in the tenement anymore. Stories in IDIOTS FIRST include: "Black Is My Favorite Color," "Still Life," "The Death of Me," "A Choice of Profession," "Life Is Better than Death," "The Jewbird," "Naked Nude," "The Cost of Living," "The Maid's Shoes," "Suppose a Wedding," "The German Refugee," and "Idiots First." 453 pages. I offer Combined shipping.
user77063337
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J. Coder9342
Great seller, book was in excellent condition as described and was extremely well packaged with fast shipping. I’m very pleased with the value of my purchase and will be using this seller to grow my collection in the future.
Kyle Chen731
Order arrived a few days earlier than the expected delivery date. Item was just as described and well packaged. This was my 2nd time purchasing from this seller, and it was another positive experience. I highly recommend!