This Modern Library paperback, #P63 in the series, is The Magic Barrel by Bernard Malamud It is one of 68 published in the 1950’s and early 1960’s and is not to be confused with the Modern Library paperback college editions. 214 pgs.

The rear of the 7 ¼” x 4 ¾” soft cover book book does not list titles. Professor Gordon Neavill indicates in his Modern Library Paperbacks Checklist and Dating Key that 1959 and 1960 printings excluded lists on the back cover. Being one of the last, issued in spring 1960, and the copyright page stating “FIRST PRINTING”, it dates it to Spring 1960. This is a First ML printing.

This is one of the last five books simultaneously issued in this ML series in the spring of 1960. Appears quite scarce.

The used book exterior shows only light wear and soil but the spine has no creasing suggesting it is unread. Fanning the pages, I noted no underlining or marginalia, no offensive odor, and the binding is firm. The pages are tanning, though, and one has a dogeared corner.

As I draft this, there are no copies on ABE and the only copy on eBay (search: "Modern Library" "Magic" “Malamud”) has a really grungy spine offered at $18.99.

If you intend to purchase multiple items and enjoy a shipping discount, use the “Add to Cart” option, NOT the “Buy It Now” option. When you have completed your selections, Check Out and you should have a discounted shipping fee calculated.

Modern Library fan or collector?  Check out Collecting the Modern Library for the most informative site for Modern Library fans: http://www.modernlib.com