Mrs. Bridge

San Francisco: Arion Press, 2009. Hardcover. Fine. Hardcover. Number 5 of 300 numbered copies for sale and 26 lettered copies for complimentary distribution. Evan Connell has signed, in pencil on the last page of text. Laurie Simmons has signed below her photograph on the last page. This was the eighty-fifth publication of the press, issued on the fiftieth anniversary of the novel's publication in 1959. The prospectus calls this a quiet masterpiece of mid-twentieth century fiction....Evan Connell (1924-2013) has long been considered the overlooked master of the American novel, with Mrs. Bridge and its companion, Mr. Bridge among the notable achievements of his early career. They go on to say that Connell's reputation has been a puzzle to his legions of admirers. A writer of talent and dedication who has published twenty books yet is nevertheless absent from the literary pantheon of his generation. According to Mark Oppenheimer, author of the introduction, this novel "is probably the great feminist novel written by a man." Of the 68 photographs in this book by well known photographer, Laurie Simmons, 34 are in black and white and 34 are in color. The illustrations are unexpectedly and creatively of domestic scenes with miniature furniture and small dolls representing Mrs. Bridge. Bound in full yellow Iris cloth with color photographs by Simmons on the front and back covers and black title on the spine. Printed on Mohawk Superfine paper in Binny type. Designed and produced by Andrew Hoyem. Accompanied by the prospectus. In fine condition. Measures 8 x 10.5 inches. 274 numbered pages and 68 unnumbered pages for the photographs. PRI/112024.