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Chen, Da : Sounds Of The River: A Memoir

HarperCollins Publishers, New York City, NY, 2002

ISBN 0060199253

First Edition / First Printing. Fine in Fine Dust Jacket. 307 pages. The author's second memoir. The sequel to "Colors of The Mountain" and the second title in a projected trilogy. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Da Chen's "Sounds of The River". Mesmerizing sounds. Da Chen won a full scholarship to Columbia University Law School and had a successful Wall Street practice. He gave up the law to become a writer, and while he is a master of both Mandarin and English, he writes exclusively (like Ha Jin) in English. He is also a renowned calligrapher and classical flutist. In short, he is a genius. "16-year-old Da Chen moves to Beijing to study English. The book's character studies and small moments of triumph and defeat do most of the narrative work: The amazement of the other students at Chen's deep tan from working in the fields; the serious professor who teaches the class the multiple uses of the word 'fuck'; a Buddhist monk who surreptitiously loves the theater; a friend who introduces high heels, torn T-shirts, and jeans to Beijing. Chen delicately weaves his own personal story with that of the Cultural Revolution" (Publisher's blurb). Da Chen has since published a "kung-fu" adventure novella, "Wandering Warrior", and his first novel, "Brothers", to considerable acclaim. An absolute "must-have" title for Da Chen collectors. This copy is magnificently signed and inscribed in black-ink brush, Chinese calligraphy style, by Da Chen. He also stamped it with his red seal. Da Chen also signed, placed, and dated (in the month and year of publication) and inscribed the copy in black pen on the front pastedown: "Good Health, Da Chen, 3/8/02 Chicago". "Good Health" is a sly reference to the unhealthy band of his youth, whose kindness he never forgot. We have seen very few signed and inscribed copies that are as beautiful as Da Chen's books. This title is a contemporary classic. As far as we know, this is the only such signed and inscribed copy of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright, a pristine beauty. Please note: Copies available online have serious flaws, are subsequent printings, or are remainder-marked. This is surely an accessible and lovely alternative. A rare signed copy thus. One of the finest American writers of our time. A fine copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER DA CHEN TITLES IN OUR CATALOG). ISBN 0060199253.

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