UPDIKE, John. Couples. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 1968. First edition, ‘Third Printing Before Publication / April 1968’. Very Good in silver-stamped blue cloth boards and illustrated wrappers. Original $6.95 price unclipped. Updike’s fifth novel concerns the interactions of ten couples in an out-of-the-way New England community. The circle of acquaintances is felt as a magic circle, with ritual games, religious substitutions, a priest, and a scapegoat. Cloth boards show sunning along top and bottom edges, toning to page ends, and wear along edges of covers. Closed tear and scuffs around spine and to front cover, with a little piece of the back cover missing (top of jacket). Jacket protected under clear mylar jacket covering (covering does show some scuff and scratching). Jacket design by Jeanyee Wong. Shipped USPS Media Mail.