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Portnoy’s Complaint is possibly Philip Roth’s most popular novel, and along with Saul Bellow’s Herzog, defined Jewish American literature in the 1960s. A continuous monologue as narrated by its speaker, Alexander Portnoy, to his psychoanalyst, Dr. Spielvogel, the narration weaves through time and describes scenes from each stage in Portnoy’s life. Every recollection in some way touches upon Portnoy’s central dilemma: his inability to enjoy the fruits of his sexual adventures even as his extreme urges force him to seek release in ever more creative and in his mind degrading and shameful acts of eroticism. Portnoy’s Complaint is also emblematic of the times during which it was published. Most obviously, the book’s sexual frankness was both a product of and an inspiration for the sexual revolution that was in full swing during the late 1960s.

Description: SIGNED TWICE BY PHILIP ROTH! Hard bound in cream cloth, no dust jacket. In publishers red slipcase as issued. INSCRIBED BY PHILIP ROTH “May 1971, To __ for his thoughtful gift – Philip Roth” #384 in a limited edition of 600 printed copies SIGNED AND HAND NUMBERED BY PHILIP ROTH. Minor wear to slipcase, otherwise very good. SCARCE!

portnoys

Bookseller Inventory # 20483

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Portnoy’s Complaint
Roth, Philip

Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 1969
Binding: Hard Bound
Book Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket
Signed: Inscribed by Author
Edition: First Edition

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