Kalki

Franklin Center, PA: The Franklin Library, 1978. First Edition and Limited Edition. With included, separate "Notes from the Editors", which is now scarce. Octavo, 315 +2 pp.; illustrations executed with distinctive style by George H. Jones. As New; immaculate and pristine. See scans. Franklin's lavish leather binding of the First Edition of Vidal's fictional memoir of a California aviator's interaction with a cult leader - in fact, more of a vehicle for Vidal-style diversified lampoon-y opinion. Full rich red top grain leather, gilt decorated and imprinted, spine panels rib divided, All Edges Gilt, moire endpapers of an almost-indescribable pale pinkish color, and a matching satin page-marker ribbon. The gilt is 22 karat; the paper is 60-pound Eggshell Wove Cream; text is set in 11-point Sabon typeface. The Franklin Library, doing what they did best. As New, and never read; has been protectively archived since arrival. Page-marker ribbon has in fact never been moved. Please review scans. With "A Special Message to the members of The First Edition Society" by Vidal prefacing the novel (with laser printed signature); and of course the scarce, separate "Notes from the Editors". That little pamphlet does show some soiling. Please see all scans. Show this one off on the cocktail table; get a market copy to read. l-frnkln3