INTRUDER IN THE DUST

New York: Random House, 1948. First edition. Fine in near fine jacket.. First printing of Faulkner's consideration of Southern racism, explored through the unusual (for Faulkner) device of a murder mystery. This mystery is framed around the wrongful accusation and later exoneration of Lucas Beauchamp, a character first introduced in the author's previous GO DOWN, MOSES. The 1949 film adaptation of INTRUDER IN THE DUST, shot on location in Mississippi, was not a great box-office success; it was one of several films released that same year which attempted to depict white racism, and white audiences had perhaps grown weary of paying attention to true things that did not flatter them. Nevertheless, the adaptation drew critical comment and praise from none other than Ralph Ellison, who singled it out from those other attempts as "the only film that could be shown in Harlem without arousing unintended laughter." 8'' x 5.5''. Original black cloth with blue and gilt-stamped lettering. In original unclipped ($3.00) dust jacket, designed by E. McKnight Kauffer. [4], 247, [1] pages. Stated first printing. Minor edgewear. Light soil to rear jacket panel.