The Atrocity Exhibition
The Atrocity Exhibition by J. G. Ballard is a collection of previously published pieces, assembled into an experimental novel of sorts. A highly controversial work, considered obscene at the time, and resulting in the destruction of the 1970 U.S. Doubleday edition by the publisher before its release. Octavo, bound in black paper covered boards, with gold lettering on spine.
Signed by Ballard on the title page. Also laid-in, is a 14-line (85+ words) hand-written postcard from the author (dated 5/2/91) addressed to a collector in which Ballard discusses early works and comments on the art design for The Atrocity Exhibition:
Dear Mr. Martin,
Thanks for the kind comment on my writing -- I'm glad you've enjoyed it, and hope you go on doing so -- as to 1st editions, in the U.K. Drowned World was my 1st publication (in hardcover) but in the USA many of my early books were just published in paperback -- I thought that some of The Atrocity Exhibition [illustrations?] worked very well, but others, including the cover, I didn't like at all -- but overall it's a remarkable piece of publishing. / All the best / JG Ballard.
Hardcover. First Edition, First Printing. Octavo, black cloth with gilt lettering on spine. London: Jonathan Cape, 1970. ISBN: 0224618385. #10556.
Minor ding to rear panel of boards, else fine in near fine dust jacket which has usual fading to spine.