First printing of this novel about a "young American engineer sent to China," with laid-in autograph sheet signed and inscribed by Hersey. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1956. First edition. Laid in is a 7 x 5 in. "Signed Autograph Specimens" sheet, on which Hersey has reproduced some Tu Fu verses quoted in the novel and inscribed it to a former owner. Octavo (8.5 x 5.75 in.); 181pp.; pale yellow cloth boards, in dust jacket. Very good in a near fine jacket. Board cloth shows moderate mottling/spotting. Else clean and tight, with only mild toning to the textblock edges. Price-clipped jacket shows light soiling to rear panel.
