The Cider House Rules.

IRVING, John.

Item Number: 127871

New York: William Morrow & Company, 1985.

First edition of Irving’s sixth novel. Octavo, original half cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, “For William Safire John Irving.” William Safire was an important American author, columnist, journalist, and presidential speechwriter. He joined Nixon’s campaign for the 1960 Presidential race, and again in 1968. After Nixon’s 1968 victory, Safire served as a speechwriter for him and Spiro Agnew. He authored several political columns in addition to his weekly column “On Language” in The New York Times Magazine from 1979 until the month of his death and authored two books on grammar and linguistics: The New Language of Politics (1968) and what Zimmer called Safire’s “magnum opus,” Safire’s Political Dictionary. Safire later served as a member of the Pulitzer Prize Board from 1995 to 2004 and in 2006 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Honi Werner.

Set in rural Maine in the first half of the 20th century, it tells the story of Dr. Wilbur Larch- saint and obstetrician, founder and director of the orphanage in the town of St. Cloud's. It is also the story of Dr. Larch's favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is never adopted. 'Superb in scope and originality, a novel as good as one could hope to find from any author, anywhere, anytime. Engrossing, moving, thoroughly satisfying" (Joseph Heller). Basis for the 1999 film directed by Lasse Hallstrom, starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron and Michael Caine. Irving won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Michael Caine won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.