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The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 121:
Description
Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006). Hardcover copy of Jaws, 50th Anniversary Edition, published by Random House. The title page is inscribed by Wendy Benchley in blue ink with the text Wendy Benchley With the Spirit of Peter. The octavo volume is bound in publisher’s black paper-covered boards with a matching pictorial dust jacket. The jacket features the original 1974 cover illustration by Roger Kastel, depicting a Great White shark ascending toward a swimmer at the surface. This 2024 edition includes a new foreword copyright 2024 by Benchley IP, LLC and is noted as the 16th printing on the copyright page. The interior features crisp white paper with chapter headers displaying a shark silhouette graphic inside an oval border. 8 1/4" H x 5 1/2" W x 1 1/8" D.
For the fiftieth anniversary of JAWS, Penguin Random House reissued the novel in June 2024 with a new introduction by Wendy Benchley, who was there for all of it: the first doubtful conversation about a “fish book, ” the summer of 1974 on Martha’s Vineyard, and the five decades of ocean advocacy that followed. Wendy also worked closely with the publisher on the edition’s striking dark design, which hints at the original 1974 cover (see Lot 109). Each copy is signed by her.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
Fine condition. The dust jacket is crisp and bright with no visible edge wear, chips, or tears. The binding is tight and the spine remains square and uncreased. Internal pages are clean and free of markings, foxing, or highlights.
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