Signed — Hollywood Satire

Westlake, Donald E. (1933–2008)

Who Stole Sassi Manoon? A Comic Novel [Signed First Edition]

New York: Random House, 1969.

A sharp, inscribed first printing of Westlake’s Hollywood-skewering comic caper. Moving away from the gritty noir of his Parker series, this novel finds Westlake at his most 'madcap,' utilizing a computer-kidnapping plot to satirize the film industry. The American first edition is a noted scarcity in the Westlake corpus, particularly when found signed.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Original pictorial dust jacket. 
+++ Binding: Near Fine cloth-backed boards; tight and square. 
+++ Imprint: Random House, New York. 1969. First Edition, First Printing. 
+++ Specs: Octavo; 178 pages. 
+++ Limitation & Signatures: Inscribed by Donald E. Westlake to a previous owner on the title page.

CONDITION: Near Fine / Near Fine. 
+++ The Book: Near fine. Minimal wear to the boards; internally clean and bright. 
+++ The Jacket: Near fine and unclipped. Shows a faint dampstain at the heel of the spine (visible primarily on the verso) and a touch of uniform toning to the spine.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Genre Evolution: A primary example of Westlake’s transition into 'comic crime,' a sub-genre he would later perfect with the Dortmunder series.
+++ Hollywood Satire: Reflects late-1960s anxieties regarding computer automation and the absurdity of the studio system.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
Donald E. Westlake remains a titan of American crime fiction, holding three Edgar Awards and the MWA Grandmaster title. Who Stole Sassi Manoon? represents his mid-career pivot toward the high-velocity humor that redefined the hardboiled detective novel for a new generation.

SUBJECTS: Donald E. Westlake, Hollywood Satire, 1960s Crime Fiction, Comic Noir, Signed First Edition, Mystery, Comedy.

Item #21720

Price: $145.00