A WILD SHEEP CHASE

First English edition, first printing. Publisher's original dark blue paper-covered boards with silver titles to the green cloth spine, in the Shigeo Okamoto illustrated dustwrapper. A near fine copy, the binding square and firm with a little bumping to the spine tips, the cloth clean and lightly faded to the extreme edges of the boards. The contents are clean throughout and without inscriptions or stamps. Complete with the lightly rubbed and creased dustwrapper that is a little toned to the flaps edges, and is otherwise bright and without loss or tears. Not price-clipped ($18.95 to the upper front flap).

The author's third novel, and his first novel to be translated into English. The third and final book in Murakami's 'Trilogy of the Rat' series, following 'Hear the Wind Sing' (1979) and 'Pinball, 1973' (1980). First published in Japan as 'Hitsuji o meguru boken' by Kodansha International in 1982. The sequel 'Dance Dance Dance' was first released in 1988 and translated into English by Alfred Birnbaum in 1994; it does not form part of the original trilogy. Winner of the 1982 Noma Literary Prize in the 'Best Newcomer' category.