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The Bonfire of the Vanities
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The Bonfire of the Vanities Paperback - 2001

by Wolfe, Tom


About this book

The Bonfire of the Vanities is a 1987 satirical novel by Tom Wolfe. The book is a drama about ambition, racism, social class, politics, and greed in 1980s New York City. It focuses on three characters: WASP bond trader Sherman McCoy, Jewish assistant district attorney Larry Kramer, and British expatriate journalist Peter Fallow.

Sherman McCoy, a self-appointed 'Master of the Universe,' has a fashionable wife, a Park Avenue apartment, and a Southern mistress. His spectacular fall begins the moment he is involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Bronx. Prosecutors, newspaper hacks, politicians, and clergy close in on him, determined to bring him down. The Bonfire of the Vanities is a caustic satire on the money-feverish Eighties. This exuberant novel cemented Wolfe's reputation as the foremost chronicler of his age.

The novel was originally created as a serial in the style of Charles Dickens' writings, running  27 installments in Rolling Stone starting in 1984. The novel was a bestseller and an incredible success often noted as one of Wolfe’s greatest works. 



First line

AT THAT VERY MOMENT, IN THE VERY SORT OF PARK AVEnue co-op apartment that so obsessed the Mayor...twelve-foot ceilings...two wings, one for the white Anglo-Saxon Protestants who own the place and one for the help...Sherman McCoy was kneeling in his front hall trying to put a leash on a dachshund.

First Edition Identification

The 'true' first edition of Bonfire of the Vanities was published by Franklin Library, under a special arrangement with Farrar Straus Giroux, who published the first trade edition, also in 1987. 

The Franklin Library edition was limited and released in full purple leather with vibrant gilt lettering and embellishments. All edges gilt, raised bands on spine, silk bookmark, marbled endpapers. 'First Edition Franklin Library' is printed on the title page. 

The first trade edition published by Farrar Straus Giroux has 'First printing, 1987' on the copyright page. The bottom of the first trade edition dust jacket says 'BY THE AUTHOR OF "THE RIGHT STUFF"



Details

  • Title The Bonfire of the Vanities
  • Author Wolfe, Tom
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition LATER PRINTING
  • Pages 656
  • Publisher Dial Press Trade Paperback, NEW YORK
  • Date October 30, 2001
  • ISBN 9780553381344
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The Bonfire of the Vanities
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The Bonfire of the Vanities

by Wolfe, Tom

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780553381344 / 0553381342
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The Bonfire of the Vanities
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The Bonfire of the Vanities

by Wolfe, Tom

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780553381344 / 0553381342
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The Bonfire of the Vanities
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The Bonfire of the Vanities
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The Bonfire of the Vanities

by Tom Wolfe

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Fine. Fine The book shows a bit of wear on the corners, otherwise it is like new, no creases in the spine with clean unmarked pages Quality Books Because We Care - Shipped from Canada Usually ships within 1-2 business days If you buy this book from us, we will donate a book to a local school We donate 10,000+ books to local schools every year If there are any problems, pleases ask us to resolve it amicably before leaving any feedback
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by Wolfe, Tom

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