In the suicide mountains

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1977. FIRST EDITION. Blue paper over grey cloth with gilt lettering on spine, dust jacket unclipped and preserved in mylar, signature states “To Martha Best wishes and thanks John Gardner March 12, 1981.” A stunning copy of a beautiful book. Signed first edition, as stated. Magnificent illustrations by Joe Servello throughout. “…here creates a magical and mysterious world, a world of tales spun within tales, of dragons and talking babes and kings who have twelve daughters, each more beautiful than the last, a world of sudden transformations and hidden significances…”

John Champlin Gardner Jr. (1933-1982) was an American author known for his novel Grendel, a retelling of Beowulf told from the monster’s point of view. He was also an essayist, literary critic, and university professor.