Purchased Undercover by the FBI
Firestarter
Publication: New York: Viking, 1980. First Edition.
Notes: The first edition, preceded by a limited edition from Phantasia Press. 428 pages.
Edition + Condition: First trade edition (first printing, stating "First published..." on the copyright page, with no indication of later printings). Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Inscribed to James Strand, "For James—All good wishes, Stephen King. 7/17/82."
Provenance: Eric Kramer of Fantasy Archives, who had Stephen King sign a half-dozen books for James Strand at the third NECon, in Providence, Rhode Island. King was the "roastee" at the dinner event. The book was stolen after Strand died in August 2023. It was offered on eBay and purchased by an undercover FBI agent. It was the first stolen book to be recovered and it led to one of the thieves going to prison and the recovery of more than 400 books and manuscripts.
ISBN: 0670315419
Item No: #365575
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