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The Bonfire of the Vanities Hardcover - 1987

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 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 Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition, F
  • Pages 552
  • Publisher Farrar Straus & Giroux (T), New York
  • Date 1987
  • ISBN 9780374115357
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The Bonfire of the Vanities

by Wolfe, Thomas

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  • Hardcover
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New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780374115357
ISBN 10
0374115354
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Description:
Farrar Straus Giroux. New. 1987. Hardcover. 0374115354 .*** FREE UPGRADE to Courier/Priority Shipping Upon Request *** – – *** IN STOCK AND IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FOR SHIPMENT - FLAWLESS COPY, BRAND NEW, PRISTINE, NEVER OPENED -- First printing so stated. 552 pages. -- with a bonus offer-- .
Item Price
$2,470.00
FREE shipping to USA