Basin and Range

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1981. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. Association copy. First edition first printing hardcover, inscribed on the half title page: "For Rocco Siciliano, a man whose first name could not be more appropriate in this context, from Roemer s brother, John McPhee." You ve got to love McPhee s humor: It s a book about about rocks. Rocco Siciliano was an accomplished businessman who grew up in Salt Lake City thus his keen interest in this particular book. He settled in Los Angeles, but became a major donor to the University of Utah, his alma mater. He also served in an advisory capacity to four presidential administrations. Laid in is a short 6 x 9" typed note signed by Roemer McPhee, John s older brother, that reads, mainly: "Everything comes to him who waits. You knew, of course, that I would not see John until last weekend. He was happy to inscribe the book and I think he did so appropriately." Perhaps Rocco was really eager to read and had expressed some impatience? Roemer McPhee is a New York investor and philanthropist who is also quite literary, having written a book himself called The Boomer's Guide to Story: A Search for Insight in Literature and Film. This book is in very good condition because, unfortunately, a minor coffee accident has affected its lower right corner. (Italians love their espresso. Could have been much worse!) The jacket is very good for that reason, too, though the spill is not noticeable on it from the outside. At the top of front cover there is also a paperclip imprint that matches one on the letter. But it presents great, and a great bit of wit from McPhee on the inside, as usual. Please inquire for photos.