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Russo, Richard.
EMPIRE FALLS.
New York City, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001. Hardcover. First Edition/First Printing. 483 pages. Fine/Fine. The author's fifth novel. One of the most important literary events of the new century. The true First Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. "Richard Russo is a masterful storyteller with a mission: To chronicle with insight and compassion the day-to-day life of small-town America, alternating episodes of boisterous humor with moments of heart-wrenching pathos" (Houston Chronicle). In this regard, he reminds one of another writer of "the lonely life", Richard Yates, one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. It is no surprise that when the time came to reissue Yates's indispensable work, Richard Russo was prevailed upon to write the illuminating Introduction. Russo's title is ironic and telling: The decline of small-town America is a microcosm of the larger decline of the American Empire. Russo wrote the screenplay adaptation for the very fine film adaptation by Fred Schepisi, with Ed Harris, Helen Hunt, and the ageless Paul Newman in an award-winning performance. A masterpiece. A "must-have" title for Richard Russo collectors. This title remains available in multiple subsequent printings. This is one of relatively few copies of the true First Edition still available online and is in fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright. A very scarce copy thus. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize For Fiction in 2002 for "Empire Falls", a stunning upset as its closest (and worthy) rival, Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections", was widely expected to win instead. One of the finest living American writers. A fine copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER RICHARD RUSSO TITLES ON OUR CATALOG). ISBN 0679432477. $100.00 |
