Set in a future New England dystopia known as Gilead, this epitomal novel follows its protagonist, June ("Offred"), through a crumbling, chaotic new civilization. As such, a fertility crisis leads to an overthrown government and reigning patriarchy, where "commanders" dictate the fate and fortune of their designated "handmaids."

AUTHOR: Margaret Atwood

PUBLISHER: McClelland and Stewart; Toronto, ON

YEAR: 1985

PAGES: 324

JACKET DESIGN: Tad Aronowicz

JACKET COVER COLLAGE: Gail Geltner

AUTHOR PHOTOGRAPH: Graeme Gibson (Atwood's late husband)

BINDING: Hardcover w/jacket; cream/ivory quarter bound in brown/burgundy.

QUIRKS: Staining on jacket but left untouched to avoid soap/water damage (best left to professional cleaning); small cover tears, light spine and back cover wear, light scuffing and creasing; tight binding; clean and crisp pages (internal in very good condition); address label on inside right page.