Clavell's Masterpiece, Inscribed
Shogun: A Novel of Japan
Notes: The first book in Clavell's Asia Saga, a series of novels set in feudal Japan, and a worldwide bestseller that remains popular in the US as it approaches its 50th anniversary. The book was turned into a hugely popular TV miniseries in 1980.
This was Clavell's first big book (both commercially and physically), and while it likely had a relatively large print run, the 802-page bulk and the popularity of the novel make nice first editions uncommon.
Edition + Condition: First edition (stated). A nice copy with light bumping to the spine ends in a lightly bumped dust jacket. The red lettering on the spine is slightly faded and there are a couple of very short tears on the jacket edges. The heavy page block has sagged a bit, causing convexity to the upper spine and the top edge of the boards are lightly sunstruck. An above average, very good / very good copy, to be sure.
This copy is one of those inscribed by Clavell on his Shogun book tour on the title page: "This is for Beni H—a lady of quality also. New York, July 10, 1975. Best, James C." (Clavell usually signed with just the first initial of his last name; the book was officially published on June 22, 1975, making this among the first copies Clavell signed).
Publication: New York: Atheneum, 1975.
Item No: #363063
Price: $2,500