Call It Sleep

A Novel

by Henry Roth

with a history by Harold U. Ribalow

critical introduction by Maxwell Geismar

personal appreciation by Meyer Levin

Signed by the author.  Paterson, NJ:  Pageant Books, 1960  

Hardback is overall in VERY GOOD condition, with a GOOD DJ under Mylar.

• Pale gray covers have black spine label and gilt title. 
• Boards show some discoloration at edges, edgewear.  Corners are sharp.  
• Spine has gilt text on black label and is bright with softened ends.
• Binding is strong.  
• Pastedowns and feps have some staining, gift inscription and signature. 
• Interior is gently age-toned, exhibits marginal toning.  Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
• Text block edges have a few marks. 
• DJ is nicely preserved behind Mylar and is backed with archival paper.
• Close examination of DJ reveals light edgewear including possible bumps, rubbing; chipped corners, chipping at head, darkened spine and edges.  See photos.  
• PS2025.0527

599 pages. 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 inches

A Very Good, Signed copy of the 1960 second hardcover edition of this important American novel.  Publisher's gray boards and pictorial dust jacket.  Some exposure to edges, with tanned interior. Inscribed on the front end paper.

Call It Sleep, by Henry Roth (1906-1995), was first published in 1934 to favorable reviews, but it disappeared from view, as did its author, who wrote virtually nothing for several decades.  The reissue of Roth's bildungsroman in 1960, followed by a paperback edition in 1964, was greeted anew by critical acclaim and belated commercial success.

Signed by Roth and inscribed to Erik Wensberg, "For that rare thing, discernment over the long view."  Erik Wensberg (1931-2010) was a writer and editor and longtime resident of Greenwich Village who worked with Jane Jacobs to preserve downtown neighborhoods.

Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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