Description
First edition, seventh printing of Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, inscribed to the screenwriter of the film adaptation.
Octavo, [2], 443pp. Light blue cloth, title in white on spine. Stated “Seventh Printing” on copyright page. Faded red top edge stain. Notable wear and light soiling to blue cloth, solid text block. In the publisher’s early state dust jacket, $5.95 on front flap, chipping along top edge, some closed tears, bright illustrations, a very good example. (Bruccoli & Clark II, 197)
This copy is inscribed on the front free endpaper: “To Esther, the _ script girl, with instructions to turn this into a screenplay. Joseph Heller / September 10, 1963 / Los Angeles.”
The screenplay for Catch-22, based on Joseph Heller’s 1961 novel, was adapted by Buck Henry for the 1970 film directed by Mike Nichols. Heller was approached by Orson Wells in 1962 to purchase the rights and independently direct the film, but the overture was unsuccessful. Columbia Pictures purchased the rights in 1965 and attempted to develop the movie with Jack Lemmon starring as Captain Yossarian. The project fell through, and the rights were sold to Filmways (Martin Ranshoff) in 1967. Production began in early 1969, filming in Mexico, with the final film released on June 24, 1970.
