Murakami, Haruki. Norwegian Wood. Kodansha, Tokyo, 1989.

Price: US$4500.00 + shipping

Condition: Near Fine

Description: 1st English language edition, 1st printing published by Kodansha in Tokyo in 1989. Two volumes, both stamped and SIGNED by Murakami, volume 1 is signed in English, volume 2 is signed in Japanese. Originally intended for Japanese students of English, this first English language printing has a Notes section in the rear of both volumes translating certain English phrases into Japanese. Both volumes come with their original Dust Jackets and their original Kodansha bookmarks with "Enjoy Reading English! " on the front of the bookmark and a bunch of Japanese characters I can't read on the back. Norwegian Wood was Murakami's breakthrough novel, quickly selling 2 million copies in Japan (on its way to more than 4 million) and transforming him from a writer with a small, but respected following to a nationwide superstar unable go out in public without being mobbed by fans. Ships same or next business day very well protected in a box. ; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; Signed by Author

Seller: Good Books In The Woods, Spring, TX, U.S.A.

Murakami, Haruki. Norwegian Wood.. Kodansha, Tokyo, 1989.

Price: US$6500.00 + shipping

Description: First editions in English of the author's most well-known work. Small octavos, original wrappers as issued. Both volumes are fine in fine dust jackets. Both volumes are boldly signed by Haruki Murakami on the title pages. Translated from the Japanese by Alfred Birnbaum. Norwegian Wood is a nostalgic story of loss and sexuality. The story's protagonist and narrator is Toru Watanabe, who looks back on his days as a freshman university student living in Tokyo. Through Toru's reminiscences we see him develop relationships with two very different women — the beautiful yet emotionally troubled Naoko, and the outgoing, lively Midori. The novel is set in Tokyo during the late 1960s, a time when Japanese students, like those of many other nations, were protesting against the established order. While it serves as the backdrop against which the events of the novel unfold, Murakami (through the eyes of Toru and Midori) portrays the student movement as largely weak-willed and hypocritical. Murakami adapted the first section of the novel from an earlier short story, "Firefly." The story was subsequently included in the collection Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman.

Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.