ASK THE DUST

New York: Stackpole Sons, (1939). First Edition. Hardcover. Spine a bit sunned with three small nicks. Near Fine, lacking the dustwrapper. Fante's much acclaimed first book, made into a movie starring Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek. INSCRIBED and SIGNED by the author on the front free endpaper: "Inscribed to -------/with the hope that he/enjoys this book/J. Fante/Los Angeles/Nov. 14, 1939." Charles Bukowski, among others, called this the greatest novel about Los Angeles. A scarce book, especially when signed. Fewer than 3000 copies were sold, and there were few promotional events held for it as the publisher at the time was funnelling most of its funds towards fighting a lawsuit over its unauthorized publication of Hitler's MEIN KAMPF. (Inventory #: 014341)