Algren, Nelson - The Man with the Golden Arm - Doubleday: New York, 1949 - First Edition / First Printing / First State Book / First State Dust Jacket - “First Edition” stated on the copyright page as required in order to denote the first printing of the first edition. First state book with the “that that” error on page 121 line 31 and “we” instead of “be” on page 180 line 11. First state dust jacket which is the correct height (later printing jackets are about 4mm shorter).
“He was falling between glacial walls, he didn't know how anyone could fall so far away from everyone else in the world. So far to fall, so cold all the way, so steep and dark between those morphine-coloured walls...”
The book has some tanning to the spine, spotting, and a pair of matching stamps— the first stamp is lighter and across the top of the block and the second is on the front end page. The boards are pleasingly straight, the lettering on the spine is bright, binding is square, and internally there is no writing or other markings. The dust jacket is soiled and edge worn with some chips and a spine that is darkened and flaking. A solid and presentable example of this important title in both the first issue of the text and jacket. Winner of the first National Book Award. Basis for the superb 1955 film adaptation which starred Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak. Sinatra was nominated but ultimately did not win the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of heroin addict Frankie Machine. One of reportedly only 10,000 copies in the first print run.