The Price Of Salt.

CLAIRE MORGAN

Publication: Bantam Books, 1953, New York:

First paperback edition of Highsmith's first and only lesbian novel. Bantam Books 1148. Somewhat cryptically inscribed by the author on the dedication page, beneath the printed dedication, which reads "To Edna, Jordy, and Jeff" beneath which she writes: "Who don't exist + never did / Claire Morgan / 27 June 1989." This book has been reissued in paperback format using her preferred title, Carol. A sizable part of the manuscript was first published as Carol In A Thousand Cities in the paperback anthology of that title edited by her friend Marijane Meaker (as Ann Aldrich), with whom Highsmith then shared a house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Light wear to the extremities and lightly rubbed along the spine panel, else a near fine bright copy. A lovely copy of a difficult title. An intriguing copy of Highsmith's pseudonymous lesbian novel, written shortly after the success of Strangers On A Train. Her novel defied the tragic formula predominant in the lesbian literature of its era, in that its ending left open the possibility of the lovers being happy. The book was issued in a single printing by Coward-McCann in 1952, but found its stride (and an exponentially larger audience) when it was published as a mass market paperback by Bantam the following year, ultimately selling over a million copies. We find no signed or inscribed copies of the first edition in the auction record (of the hardcover or the paperback), nor have we seen another offered in commerce. An inscription in which the fictitious nature of the dedicatees is revealed is compelling, as is Highsmith's uncharacteristic use of her pseudonym to sign the book. Basis for Todd Haynes's Oscar-nominated 2015 film Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Inventory Number: 50456