Shogun
By James Clavell
 
First US edition, first impression. New York: Atheneum, 1975. Presentation copy, signed, inscribed and dated in the year and month of publication to the front flyleaf. The first UK edition followed a few months later in September of the same year.
 
Octavo. Original quarter green cloth, grey boards, spine and front board lettered in black. With the original pictorial dust jacket designed by Paul Bacon. Inscribed by the author on the front flyleaf: "This is for Christie — (Segal) Who? Los Angeles June 14th '75 James C".
 
A very good copy, the binding firm with minor rubbing to the extremities in places and small bumps to the corners; a small area of discolouration to upper board and sunning to edges of lower board. The top edge of the page block is a little dusty, though the contents remain clean and bright throughout.
 
The original dust jacket is very good and price-clipped, showing the typical light yellowing to the white panels. There is some moderate rubbing and a few small nicks and short tears to edges; an abraded area to spine foot and soft crease to spine panel. In spite of this a very presentable example of a jacket that is notoriously prone to wear.
 
Clavell’s sweeping epic of feudal Japan remains one of the most influential works of historical fiction of the twentieth century. Part of his acclaimed Asian Saga, the novel was a monumental commercial success, credited with significantly increasing Western interest in Japanese culture, history, and even cuisine, helping to popularise sushi in the US. Its impact on the global cultural consciousness was solidified by the landmark 1980 television miniseries, which was one of the most-watched programs in history at the time. The more recent 2024 FX adaptation received immense critical acclaim and a record-breaking number of Emmy Awards.
 
This copy is particularly desirable for its very early inscription, dated June 14th, 1975; among the earliest copies the author would have inscribed.