American Psycho by ELLIS, Bret Easton - 1998

London: Picador, 1998. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. First Impression of the first hardcover edition of this cult novel, with complete number line ending in "1." 8vo: [10],399,[1]pp. Publisher's black textured paper-covered boards, spine lettered in silver; navy blue end papers; Francis Baconesque pictorial dust jacket, priced £10. Fine, unread copy with smudging to top edge; Fine jacket, just barely faded to fugitive red of spine panel, usually much more compromised.

American Psycho quickly rose to cult status, and was famously banned in several countries. Simon & Schuster contracted to publish the book, in March 1991, but withdrew from the project because of "aesthetic differences." Vintage Books purchased rights and issued American Psycho in paperback; the book wasn't published in hardcover in the United States until 2012, when a limited edition was issued by Centipede Press. This British edition from Picador was the first and, to date, only hard cover trade edition of this important work. Set in Manhattan during the stock market boom of the late 1980s, American Psycho follows the life of wealthy young investment banker Patrick Bateman. Bateman, in his late 20s, narrates his everyday activities, from recreational life among the New York elite to forays into murder by night. Following the first, paperback publication, Ellis received numerous death threats and hate mail. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed.