The Quiet American.

GREENE, Graham.

Item Number: 57035

London: William Heinemann Ltd, 1955.

First edition of Greene’s classic novel of exploration of love, innocence, and morality in Vietnam. Octavo, original blue cloth. Inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper to his editor and publisher at Heinemann, “For Frere, This book with all my gratitude and affection, and in hope that there will be a few more to bother you with. Love, Graham.” A.S. Frere, was the chairman of William Heinemann and a major figure in British publishing and a close friend of Greene’s. Fine in a near fine dust jacket with a touch of rubbing with a touch of rubbing and toning to the spine. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. A wonderful association.

Against the intrigue and violence of Vietnam during the French war with the Vietminh, Alden Pyle, an idealistic young American, is sent to promote democracy, as his friend, Fowler, a cynical foreign correspondent, looks on. Fowler’s mistress, a beautiful native girl, creates a catalyst for jealousy and competition between the men, and a cultural clash resulting in bloodshed and deep misgivings. Written in 1955 prior to the Vietnam conflict, The Quiet American foreshadows the events leading up to the Vietnam conflict. The Quiet American proves "urgent, mournful and unsparing there’s not another book quite like it" (Salon). Adapted to the screen in 1958, and again in 2002 starring Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser.