Inscribed with Handwritten Corrections

Geek Love [Proof]

Dunn, Katherine

Notes: The uncorrected proof of Katherine Dunn's beloved and critically acclaimed novel set in the world of carnival freaks. The promotional material accompanying this copy is filled with the typical hyperbole, but much of it has proved true: "It's like nothing you've ever read before...it is a work completely new, and completely without equal."

Dunn, who worked innumerable odd jobs to make a living, must have been thrilled with the initial response to this, her first novel in eighteen years. She must have also been horrified by the mess of this uncorrected proof, which dropped two large sections and included others inadvertently.

Dunn died in 2016. In 2022, a previously unpublished novel, Toad, was published to widespread acclaim.

Light blue printed wrappers, 351 pages.

Edition + Condition: This copy is inscribed by Dunn to Mel Waggoner, the host of a popular book program on public radio in the Pacific Northwest, "For Mel & Emogene with many thanks for your wit and kindness. Best, Katherine Dune." Dunn has added a Post-in note with an explanation about the mess of the proof, "Dear Mel—this has some major flubs in it—I've marked some but have certainly missed others—Best to you and Emmy—Katherine." Dunn has added marginal notes indicating missing text on two pages (202 and 254) and she has crossed out large sections of text on pages 211, 212, 216, and 217.

The proof itself is very good, with a mild spine lean (presumably Waggoner read it) and a bit of fading to the spine. Laid in are a generic letter about the book and a printed promotional sheet.

Publication: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1989.

Item No: #362303

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