THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY by Robert James Waller - 1992-04

Warner Books, Inc. New York. April 1992. Quarter-bound in green with beige paper boards and silver lettering to spine. Near fIne First Edition, first printing with full number line ending with requisite 1. Near FIne unclipped ($14.95) jacket shows colorized photo of a covered bridge on front. Back of jacket shows a quote from the book. Jacket protected with removal mylar cover. Evidence of minor shelf wear on jacket front and back flyleaf shows a 0.25 in. round spot of unknown origin else fine/fine. Being an Iowa bookseller I have and have seen many signed copies. However, I have never seen the author sign as Robert Kincaid. As photos show, there is an owner's inscription from Gary to Bob. In return, the author inscribes "For Bob, who will understand. Robert Kincaid". Underneath, the author signs and dates the inscription the month of publication (4/12/92). Inscription in ink on half title page is rare in ink, more commonly seen signed with felt tip (sharpie). Included is the newpaper clipping showing the signing event will take place at the Univ. of Iowa's Memorial Union from 5 to 6 p.m. and the author will read from his work at 8 p.m. The book debuted on the New York TImes bestseller list August 1992 and remained on the list for 164 consecutive weeks (over three years). The author wrote the book in eleven days while on leave from his teaching job at the University of Northern Iowa. The bridges are about 150 miles southwest from the University. It was adapted into a feature film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep in 1995 and a musical in 2013. Meryl Streep was nominated for Best Actress at the 68th Academy Awards for her performance. 5.25x7.5 in. 171 pg.