Email this lot to a friend

« Email Address (separate multiple emails with a comma)

hide

Lot 166

translate

email

A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean

First Edition, 1978 printing. This autographed copy of A River Runs Through It is a rare find, signed by Maclean in his Montana home town: "Norman Maclean, Missoula, 1978." This signing is not only unusual with the addition of "Missoula", but can be considered extremely rare as Maclean signatures alone, without an inscription, (most often a long inscription), are thought to number only in the single digits. This copy most likely signed at the famous Fact and Fiction bookstore on Higgins Avenue in Missoula, where he made a rare author's appearance that year. Book is near fine with light discoloration on top edge, "3d printing" dust cover is also near fine with light edge wear. Includes a letter of provenance from Norman's son John Maclean.

Norman Maclean (1902-1990). Born in Iowa in 1902, Maclean was the son of the Rev. John Maclean, who administered much of the education of his sons Norman and Paul. The family moved to Missoula, Montana in 1909, with the following years having a significant influence on the young Norman, later inspiring his writing, most prominently the semi-autobiographical A River Runs Through It, published in 1976. A River Runs Through It was adapted into a movie by Columbia Pictures, directed by Robert Redford, starring Craig Sheffer as Norman Maclean and Brad Pitt as Paul Maclean in 1992. A River Runs Through It has been credited as the most important motion picture concerning the art of fly fishing ever produced. Immediately after the movie's release, the public embraced fly fishing in huge numbers, with American fly fishing waterways seeing a new generation drawn to try their hand at the enduring pastime, or those renewing the forgotten pleasure of the peace one can achieve in a natural environment. Through this film, the public, largely unaware of fly fishing, came to ap¬preciate the beauty, grace, and true artistry of the sport. Like no other, Maclean's writing captivated readers who have never held a fly rod in their hand. By all accounts, Maclean penned one of the classic American stories of the twentieth century.

Click on thumbnails to see larger images:

View Lang's Auction next auction.

Similar lots up for auction