Scarce Signed, Plus a Letter
Sex and Rage: Advice to Young Ladies Eager for a Good Time
Publication: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1979. First Edition.
Notes: A novel about a pretty woman living the party life in Los Angeles who realizes that it is time to do something with her life. There has been a Babitz revival in recent years, with new editions of her works appearing—the reissue of this novel was on NPR's list of the best books of 2017.
Shortly after her death in 2021, the Huntington Library acquired Babitz's papers. According to the author's sister, “When I told Eve that The Huntington was very interested in her archive, she said, ‘I would love to be with Blue Boy and Pinkie again, like when we were kids. It’s as classy as the Beverly Hills Hotel so I know I’ll be happy there.’”
[10], 227, [3] pages.
Edition + Condition: First edition (stated). A near fine copy in a very good dust jacket. The jacket has an old and unnecessary tape repair on the verso (back) of the jacket. There is a short tear at the base of the spine. The flaps have a crease each.
This copy is inscribed, "2/2/90. Dear Dan, These are the times that try men's souls Love Eve Babitz. XOXO [heart] Happy Valentine's Day." The book is accompanied by a letter to the same recipient, a New Jersey collector who had written to ask if Babitz would sign a book. Babitz concludes the short typed letter (about 75 words) with a bit of her characteristic dark humor, "I had an aunt once who lived in Patterson [New Jersey] and I always liked that place—it's just so terrible there, you have to be cheerful just to be contrary." The letter is signed in full and folded for mailing, else near fine.
Signed books by Babitz are surprisingly uncommon.
ISBN: 0394425812
Item No: #362558
Price: $1,650