The Manchurian Candidate
Published in 1959, The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon is a classic novel weaving political intrigue and psychological manipulation during the Korean War. This gripping political thriller explores the hidden world of brainwashing, conspiracy, and sleeper agents. It has been adapted into two critically acclaimed films, most notably the 1962 classic film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury, and again in 2004, directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber, and Meryl Streep. Octavo, bound in blue cloth boards.
Hardcover. First Edition, First Printing. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959. #10044.
Exceptional copy, nearly fine in fine dust jacket. Rarely found in such nice condition.
Richard Condon's iconic novel The Manchurian Candidate, published in 1959, is a political thriller that delves into the shadowy world of brainwashing, conspiracy, and sleeper agents. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, the story introduces Sergeant Raymond Shaw, an acclaimed war hero turned unwitting assassin, and Major Bennett Marco, a soldier haunted by disturbing nightmares about their past. Their lives intertwine in a web of political intrigue, mind control, and hidden agendas by people who they would not suspect.
The novel has been adapted twice for the screen. Notably, John Frankenheimer's 1962 film adaptation of The Manchurian Candidate is considered a cinematic masterpiece that captures the chilling atmosphere and gripping tension of the Cold War era portrayed in Condon's book. Starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury, the film faithfully translates the essence of Condon's novel onto the screen. It is widely viewed as a classic film in the thriller genre.
The 2004 film adaptation of The Manchurian Candidate, directed by Jonathan Demme, received a mixed reception from both critics and audiences. While it was praised for its performances by a cast that featured Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber, and Meryl Streep, it didn't achieve the same level of acclaim as the 1962 original adaptation by John Frankenheimer.
The Manchurian Candidate stands as an important novel that helped reshape the political thriller genre, offering a frightening vision of weaponized mind control and the clandestine forces that shape our world.