Published by Longmans, London; 1967. 8vo. 435pp. First edition, first impression. Condition: Near Fine/Very Good
Bound in original black cloth boards with title in gilt to the spine and authors signature in gilt to the front board. The binding is square and tight, and in smart condition. There is some bumping to the spine ends and corners and a crease to the spine but it is otherwise in very smart condition. Inside, the pages are clean and bright, free from blemishes and wear, with barely a hint of toning.
The book is housed in its original first issue dust jacket. The jacket is vibrant and bright. There is a small mark by the 'T' of the author's name and shelf wear and chipping to the edges, the worst chip is at the rear top edge, with some loss. In spite of these points, the jacket remains in very good condition.
In all, this is a tidy example of this first edition by Wilder. Possibly the ultimate achievement of Wilder's writing career, this novel is a triumph in technique. The story spans the hundred years from 1845 to the Second World War. It follows two families in one town and the aftermath of a murder. Beautifully written, characters exquisitely drawn, this tale is gripping and powerfully told, without sentimentality and entirely unpredictable. It won the National Book Award in 1968.