In Cold Blood

Truman Capote. First edition, stated first printing. New York: Random House, 1965. Both unclipped dust jacket, in a mylar wrapper, and hardcover are in Very Good+ condition. Jacket has original price $5.95 on inside flap and a small tear on the top of the spine. No writing or markings found in the book, 343 pp. 

In Cold Blood is often called the first (and one of the greatest) examples of a true crime novel. It tells the true story of the brutal 1959 murders of the Clutter family — a well-liked, prosperous farm family in Holcomb, Kansas. Two ex-convicts, Perry Smith and Richard “Dick” Hickock, planned to rob the Clutters, thinking they’d find a safe full of cash. But when they found no money, they killed all four family members (Herb, Bonnie, Nancy, and Kenyon Clutter) to leave no witnesses.

Meets all first edition points requirements such as 1/66 on inside flap of jacket. Top of pages: Red stained top edge (common on firsts). Jacket back panel: Should have a photo of Capote by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Jacket spine: The Random House logo should be properly aligned at the base (misalignments often indicate later printings or book club editions).