People Who Knock on the Door

New York: Penzler Books, 1985 First American edition, uncorrected proof, first printing, second issue with corrected title ("on" not "at") on front wrapper title. Signed and dated by Highsmith on title page: "Patricia Highsmith / 7 Oct. 1992" Publisher's green wrappers, printed in black. Very good, with light toning to spine, a bit of soiling to wrappers, small tear to bottom left corner of rear wrapper, two-inch split along lower part of front spine joint, a couple of edits made in pen to front wrapper, coffee stain to half-title page (some bleed-through to title page, Highsmith's signature unaffected). Overall, a decent copy, uncommon signed. People Who Knock on the Door centers around the Aldermans, an average midwestern family. When the youngest of the family's two sons, Robbie, recovers from a medical crisis, the father, Richard, becomes fanatically religious. The eldest son, Arthur, is disdainful of religion, and, after his girlfriend has an abortion, he is cast out of his home. The book culminates in a shocking murder. Highsmith, author of psychological thriller classics like Strangers on a Train (1950) and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955), was inspired to write People Who Knock on the Door by the 1970s revival of Christian fundamentalism, brought about in part by televangelists like Jerry Falwell. . Signed by Author. First American Edition. Original Wraps. Very Good. Galley/Proof.