GEEK LOVE - UNCORRECTED PROOF, INSCRIBED TO MEL WAGGONER

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. First Edition. Proof copy of Dunn's third novel, centered around a a family-owned traveling carnival freak show. Geek Love was Mehta's first acquisition for Knopf, published with a modest print run of 20,000 copies. The brilliant storytelling, coupled with Chip Kidd's innovative jacket design, was an unexpected hit, as well as a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction. A warmly inscribed copy to an early reader, bearing ample evidence of the author's hand prior to publication. First Printing. Octavo (21cm); first state in blue-gray card wrappers, with only the month and year of publication printed on front cover; [x],351,[7]pp. Inscribed on the title page to Mel Waggoner, the host of a popular book program on public radio in the Pacific Northwest: "For Mel & Emogene / with many thanks for your wit and kindness / Best, Katherine Dunn. On the preceding page, Dunn has written Waggoner a holograph note on a Post-it: "Dear Mel - This has some major flubs in it - I've marked some but have certainly missed others - Best to you and Emmy - Katherine." Dunn has added two holograph notes on pages 202 and 254, indicating missing text, and has crossed out substantial passages on pp.211-212, 216-217. Subtle forward lean, gentle sunning to spine, with some faint finger-soil to right edge of textblock, a small tear to lower front joint, and a few stray pen marks to front wrapper; Very Good, with the generic publisher's letter and promotional review sheet folded and laid in.