The Price of Salt by Highsmith, First Edition (5 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. First Thus. A 1975 reprint of the 1952 Coward-McCann edition, this being the First Thus Edition with Arno Press. Part of the Arno Press Collection on Homosexuality: Lesbians and Gay Men in Society, History and Literature. [8], 276pp, [2], bound in orange cloth, with the binding and hinges tight. NO LABELS, INSCRIPTIONS, NOR MARKINGS. A semi- autobiographical novel, being the first lesbian novel with a "happy ending", which was later republished as Carol under the author's own name - Patricia Highsmith, and in 2015 it was adapted into a movie. This is the author's second novel, with her first novel being "Strangers On a Train which was picked up by Alfred Hitchcock and also made into a movie in 1951. Light foxing to the outer page edges, minuscule edge stain on the first five leaves.

Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. First Canadian Paperback Edition. Bantam Books 1148, 249 pp; very slight hint of cocking, minor rubbing to spine edges, small crease to tip of front cover upper corner, previous owner had habit of writing his name in ink on first page & marking a small "x" near upper right corner of front cover in pencil to indicate he had read the book; otherwise, a tight, attractive copy of this sought-after vintage paperback. This would appear to be a rare Canadian edition, as it indicates a first printing, but shows a 35-cent cover price.

Softcover. Condition: Good. No. 1148. 18 cm. Paperback. Slight spine lean. Some creases to covers. A little foxing to first leaf. Paper browned. Cracking at pp. 36-37. "The novel of a love society forbids." First paperback edition of Highsmith's first and only lesbian novel. The book defied the usual formula predominant in the lesbian literature of its era in that it doesn't end in death, suicide, or conversion to heterosexuality. In fact, the ending suggests the couple may live happily ever after. The book has since been reissued using Highsmith's preferred title, Carol. It's also the basis for the 2015 film by that name. First paperback edition, compete and unabridged.

Softcover. First Edition. Patricia Highsmith's groundbreaking novel, published in paperback under the pseudonym Claire Morgan, portrays a lesbian relationship in the conservative 1950s which was rare and quite daring for its time. The story follows the blossoming love affair between Carol and Therese and the challenges they face while defying societal norms. Of note is Highsmith's unconventional happy ending which was unprecedented in lesbian literature at the time. This pioneering work has left an indelible mark and lasting influence on the LGBTQ+ literary landscape and culture, advocating for greater acceptance and understanding. The 2015 film adaptation, "Carol," received widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades for its sensitive portrayal of a lesbian relationship. Despite not winning any Oscars, it won several other awards and solidified its place as a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ cinema. In original pictorial wrappers. Some chipping to spine ends and minor rubbing along spine. Hinge starting. Creasing at top and bottom corners of front wrapper. Small dent near spine at bottom of back wrapper. In Very Good+ condition. .

[LGBTQ] Highsmith, Patricia. Pen name "Claire Morgan." The Price of Salt. New York: Bantam Books, 1953. Very Early Lesbian pulp. First Edition Mass market paperback. 250 pages, 4.5" x 7." Illustrated front wrapper by cover artist Barye Phillips depicts a pensive woman reclining on a settee, while another woman touches her shoulder and smokes a cigarette. A male figure lurks in the background. Blurb on back wrapper reads, "Here is a novel, utterly sincere and honest, which deals with a subject until recently considered taboo. Now a young woman, Claire Morgan, comes along and writes of unsanctioned love from a completely new point of view." Perhaps best known for her psychological thrillers "Strangers on a Train" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley," author Patricia Highsmith is also credited with having written the first lesbian novel with a happy ending. Prior to this book, most lesbian pulps were framed as ultimately anti-gay morality tales in order to bypass censorship. The Price of Salt broke literary barriers, rising above the normal pulp sleaze of the day to paint a complex portrait of lesbian love. First published in hardcover in 1952 under Highsmith's pen name "Claire Morgan". She dedicated the book to "Edna, Jordy and Jeff"three people whom Highsmith invented. The novel was later released with Highsmith's own name under the title Carol, and adapted into a film of the same name in 2015. Brightly colored and in very good condition. A well preserved edition of this barrier breaking pulp novel.