In the Clap Shack [Signed First Edition]

Styron, William (1925 2006)

Published by Random House, New York, 1973

A darkly comedic and semi-autobiographical play exploring the dehumanizing atmosphere of a military urology ward during World War II. Set in a Southern Navy hospital in 1943, the narrative follows a young Marine s struggle against medical authoritarianism and the stifling confines of institutional life. This copy is a first printing of the author's only play and features a personal inscription by William Styron on the title page. KEY FEATURES +++ Visuals: Dust jacket features a bold graphic caduceus design; rear panel features a portrait of Styron at his typewriter. +++ Binding: Two-toned black cloth spine over orange paper boards with a debossed house vignette on the front cover. +++ Content: A satirical and provocative look at the 'Marine' experience, echoing the themes of military life found in Styron s earlier work. +++ Signed and inscribed by William Styron on the title page to 'Michael Preston'. +++ Imprint: New York: Random House, 1973. [First Edition / First Printing]. +++ Specs: 8.5 inches tall / 95 pages. CONDITION: Near Fine in a Very Good Dust Jacket -- The bindings are tight and square with modest shelf handling wear. Text is clean with light, even age-toning. The dust jacket is price-clipped with several folds on the front flap and light toning to the white areas; it is now preserved in a new clear Mylar sleeve. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- William Styron, a giant of 20th-century American letters and author of 'Sophie s Choice' and 'The Confessions of Nat Turner', turned to the stage for this 1973 production. 'In the Clap Shack' premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre and draws heavily from Styron's own brief and traumatic stint in a Navy hospital as a young recruit. While Styron is primarily celebrated for his deep, often tragic prose, this play showcases his capacity for dark satire and stinging social commentary. As his only foray into playwriting, it remains a scarce and necessary piece for collectors of his complete bibliography. SUBJECTS: American Drama, World War II, Military Medicine, Satire, U.S. Marine Corps, Southern Literature, Modern Firsts, Signed Copy, Drama. Seller Inventory # 19364

Bibliographic Details

Title: In the Clap Shack [Signed First Edition]
Publisher: Random House, New York
Publication Date: 1973
Binding: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: First Edition, First Printing.