Barrier Island

New york: Alfred A. Knopf. Near Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. 1986. 1st Trade Edition; 1st Printing. Hardcover. 0394554272 . This book is in Near Fine condition and has a Near Fine dust jacket. The book and its contents are in clean, bright condition with the exception of some very beginning toning to the edges of the book covers. The text pages are clean and bright. The dust jacket is crisp and clean, with some very beginning edge wear to the corners. "Ten miles out in the Mississippi Sound, just after dawn, a small seaplane with hidden registration numbers lands near an elegantly outfitted cruiser. An envelope stuffed full of hundred dollar bills changes hands: from Tucker Loomis, a local real-estate tycoon, to an important government employee. Small threats are exchanged, a big favor purchased - and the fuse is lit on a series of shocking events that will ultimately explode into violence and betrayal in the booming town of West Bay, Mississippi." "MacDonald's literary career began almost by accident. During 1945, while still in the Army, he wrote a short story and mailed it to his wife. She submitted it to the magazine Esquire, which rejected it. She then sent it to Story magazine, which accepted for $25. He learned of this just after his ship arrived in the United States. After his discharge, MacDonald spent four months writing short stories, generating some 800,000 words and losing 20 pounds (9.1 kg) while typing 14 hours a day, seven days a week. He received hundreds of rejection slips, but finally made a $40 sale to the pulp magazine Dime Detective. " .