Original Uncorrected Proof Edition: The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
This entry showcases an authentic, primary-source piece of late 20th-century American literary history, Pulitzer Prize-winning author lore, and pre-publication publishing ephemera: an official Advance Uncorrected Proof copy of The Witches of Eastwick by acclaimed novelist and critic John Updike.
One of the most distinguished figures in American literature, John Updike (1932–2009) published over twenty novels across his prolific career, earning two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction for Rabbit Is Rich and Rabbit At Rest. Published commercially in 1984 by Alfred A. Knopf, The Witches of Eastwick stands as one of Updike's most famous and wildly imaginative works. Set in a fictional 1960s Rhode Island town, the narrative follows three divorced women—Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie—who discover coven-like magical abilities after gaining independence from their husbands. Their lives and supernatural powers are dramatically disrupted by the arrival of Darryl Van Horne, a charismatic and mysterious stranger who seduces all three women. The bestselling novel was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award and adapted into an iconic 1987 Academy Award-nominated feature film starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Published in 1984 by Alfred A. Knopf (New York), this advance uncorrected proof represents the rare, pre-publication state produced strictly for internal editor review, reviewers, and booksellers prior to trade distribution. Bound in original publisher salmon-pink cardstock covers, the front wrapper displays Knopf's borzoi logo alongside a pasted-on white publisher slip reading *"Tentative publication date: May 21, 1984 / Tentative price: $15.95 / *BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB MAIN SELECTION / FIRST PRINTING: 110,000".
The upper front cover bears the publisher's official notice statement: "THIS IS AN UNCORRECTED PROOF / It should not be quoted without comparison with the finally revised text".
Preserved in fine vintage condition with clean salmon wrappers, a tight uncreased spine, original publisher staples on the right margin, and a crisp text block, this rare advance proof serves as an essential centerpiece for John Updike completists, modern literature archivists, and pre-publication manuscript displays.
Document/Record Specifications
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OFFICIAL 1984 KNOPF UNCORRECTED PROOF: Pre-publication advance issue of John Updike's classic novel The Witches of Eastwick.
-
ORIGINAL PUBLISHER WRAPPERS & SLIP: Bound in salmon cardstock with original pasted Knopf publication details slip and borzoi logo.
-
EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION: Preserved in fine condition with sharp spine titling, tight binding, clean wrappers, and unread text block.
Autograph Specifications & Provenance
-
UNSIGNED PRE-PUBLICATION PROOF: Unsigned, as distributed to reviewer lists prior to general publication.
-
PUBLISHER PROVENANCE: Authentic primary-source advance proof bearing original Alfred A. Knopf notice and pre-release production markings.
Original Uncorrected Proof Edition: The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
This entry showcases an authentic, primary-source piece of late 20th-century American literary history, Pulitzer Prize-winning author lore, and pre-publication publishing ephemera: an official Advance Uncorrected Proof copy of The Witches of Eastwick by acclaimed novelist and critic John Updike.
One of the most distinguished figures in American literature, John Updike (1932–2009) published over twenty novels across his prolific career, earning two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction for Rabbit Is Rich and Rabbit At Rest. Published commercially in 1984 by Alfred A. Knopf, The Witches of Eastwick stands as one of Updike's most famous and wildly imaginative works. Set in a fictional 1960s Rhode Island town, the narrative follows three divorced women—Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie—who discover coven-like magical abilities after gaining independence from their husbands. Their lives and supernatural powers are dramatically disrupted by the arrival of Darryl Van Horne, a charismatic and mysterious stranger who seduces all three women. The bestselling novel was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award and adapted into an iconic 1987 Academy Award-nominated feature film starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Published in 1984 by Alfred A. Knopf (New York), this advance uncorrected proof represents the rare, pre-publication state produced strictly for internal editor review, reviewers, and booksellers prior to trade distribution. Bound in original publisher salmon-pink cardstock covers, the front wrapper displays Knopf's borzoi logo alongside a pasted-on white publisher slip reading *"Tentative publication date: May 21, 1984 / Tentative price: $15.95 / *BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB MAIN SELECTION / FIRST PRINTING: 110,000".
The upper front cover bears the publisher's official notice statement: "THIS IS AN UNCORRECTED PROOF / It should not be quoted without comparison with the finally revised text".
Preserved in fine vintage condition with clean salmon wrappers, a tight uncreased spine, original publisher staples on the right margin, and a crisp text block, this rare advance proof serves as an essential centerpiece for John Updike completists, modern literature archivists, and pre-publication manuscript displays.
Document/Record Specifications
-
OFFICIAL 1984 KNOPF UNCORRECTED PROOF: Pre-publication advance issue of John Updike's classic novel The Witches of Eastwick.
-
ORIGINAL PUBLISHER WRAPPERS & SLIP: Bound in salmon cardstock with original pasted Knopf publication details slip and borzoi logo.
-
EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION: Preserved in fine condition with sharp spine titling, tight binding, clean wrappers, and unread text block.
Autograph Specifications & Provenance
-
UNSIGNED PRE-PUBLICATION PROOF: Unsigned, as distributed to reviewer lists prior to general publication.
-
PUBLISHER PROVENANCE: Authentic primary-source advance proof bearing original Alfred A. Knopf notice and pre-release production markings.
