First published in 1985, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is a towering achievement of speculative fiction that defines the modern dystopian genre. Set in the near-future Republic of Gilead—a theocratic regime that has overthrown the United States government—the novel follows Offred, a woman forced into reproductive servitude as a "Handmaid." Atwood’s narrative is a chilling exploration of power, the systematic erosion of civil liberties, and the resilience of the human spirit under extreme oppression. Regarded as a "speculative" work because every atrocity depicted has a historical precedent, it remains a profound and disturbing critique of political and religious extremism.
Edition: Later Printing (1986).
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.
Binding: The binding is remarkably square and firm, exhibiting no bumping to the corners.
Dust Jacket: Original jacket in Good condition; intact but showing minor creases and tears, with some visible staining on the rear panel.
Condition Points: The volume is in Near Fine condition. While there is slight fading and minor staining to the boards and endpapers, the internal text block is exceptional—clean, crisp, and entirely free of markings or inscriptions.
While a true first printing of The Handmaid’s Tale has become a high-premium item, this 1986 later printing offers an affordable way to own an early state of Atwood's masterpiece during its original publication era. This copy is particularly desirable for its structural integrity; the "Near Fine" internal state makes it a perfect "reading copy" or a foundational addition to a burgeoning dystopian collection. It retains the iconic cover art that has come to symbolize the Gilead narrative, making it an excellent shelf-piece for the discerning collector on a budget.
First published in 1985, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is a towering achievement of speculative fiction that defines the modern dystopian genre. Set in the near-future Republic of Gilead—a theocratic regime that has overthrown the United States government—the novel follows Offred, a woman forced into reproductive servitude as a "Handmaid." Atwood’s narrative is a chilling exploration of power, the systematic erosion of civil liberties, and the resilience of the human spirit under extreme oppression. Regarded as a "speculative" work because every atrocity depicted has a historical precedent, it remains a profound and disturbing critique of political and religious extremism.
Edition: Later Printing (1986).
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.
Binding: The binding is remarkably square and firm, exhibiting no bumping to the corners.
Dust Jacket: Original jacket in Good condition; intact but showing minor creases and tears, with some visible staining on the rear panel.
Condition Points: The volume is in Near Fine condition. While there is slight fading and minor staining to the boards and endpapers, the internal text block is exceptional—clean, crisp, and entirely free of markings or inscriptions.
While a true first printing of The Handmaid’s Tale has become a high-premium item, this 1986 later printing offers an affordable way to own an early state of Atwood's masterpiece during its original publication era. This copy is particularly desirable for its structural integrity; the "Near Fine" internal state makes it a perfect "reading copy" or a foundational addition to a burgeoning dystopian collection. It retains the iconic cover art that has come to symbolize the Gilead narrative, making it an excellent shelf-piece for the discerning collector on a budget.
