Catch-22 (1989 First Edition Library facsimile) is a meticulously crafted reproduction of Joseph Heller’s 1961 satirical masterpiece, part of the prestigious First Edition Library series that replicates iconic books in their original form. This edition mirrors the first printing of Heller’s anti-war classic, down to the typography, pagination, and even the vintage dust jacket design featuring a whimsical soldier by Paul Bacon.
The novel follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier in WWII, who tries to survive the absurdity of military bureaucracy—epitomized by “Catch-22,” a paradoxical rule that traps soldiers in endless combat. Heller’s non-linear narrative, dark humor, and scathing critique of war and capitalism made the book a defining work of 20th-century literature.
Collector’s Notes:
- The First Edition Library version includes a scholarly preface and is bound in quality materials to emulate the 1961 Simon & Schuster release.
- Unlike later editions, this facsimile preserves period-specific details (e.g., the original $5.95 price on the jacket).
For similar satire, try Slaughterhouse-Five (1969) by Kurt Vonnegut or Good as Gold (1979) by Heller himself.
