We find no signed or inscribed copies of the first edition in the auction record (of the hardcover or the paperback), nor have we seen another offered in commerce.

The book was issued in a single printing by Coward-McCann in 1952, but found its stride (and an exponentially larger audience) when it was published as a mass market paperback by Bantam the following year, ultimately selling over a million copies. Her novel defied the tragic formula predominant in the lesbian literature of its era, in that its ending left open the possibility of the lovers being happy. An intriguing copy of Highsmith's pseudonymous lesbian novel, written shortly after the success of Strangers On A Train. Light wear to the extremities and lightly rubbed along the spine panel, else a near fine bright copy. A sizable part of the manuscript was first published as Carol In A Thousand Cities in the paperback anthology of that title edited by her friend Marijane Meaker (as Ann Aldrich), with whom Highsmith then shared a house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Somewhat cryptically inscribed by the author on the dedication page, beneath the printed dedication, which reads 'To Edna, Jordy, and Jeff' beneath which she writes: 'Who don't exist + never did / Claire Morgan / 27 June 1989.' This book has been reissued in paperback format using her preferred title, Carol. First paperback edition of Highsmith's first and only lesbian novel. Ripley, as well as numerous short stories.First edition. Patricia Highsmith (1921-1995) was the author of more than twenty novels, including Strangers on a Train, The Price of Salt and The Talented Mr. The book is also the basis of the acclaimed 2015 film Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Erotic, eloquent, and suspenseful, this story offers an honest look at the necessity of being true to one’s nature.

Ripley. Originally published in 1952 under a pseudonym, The Price of Salt was heralded as “the novel of a love society forbids.” Highsmith’s sensitive treatment of fully realized characters who defy stereotypes about homosexuality marks a departure from previous lesbian pulp fiction. But their newly discovered bliss is shattered when Carol is forced to choose between her child and her lover.Īuthor Patricia Highsmith is best known for her psychological thrillers Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Therese, a struggling young sales clerk, and Carol, a homemaker in the midst of a bitter divorce, abandon their oppressive daily routines for the freedom of the open road, where their love can blossom. Amazon | Goodreads Publisher’s DescriptionĪ chance encounter between two lonely women leads to a passionate romance in this lesbian cult classic.

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