Trask by Don Berry (First Edition, Damaged Copy), 1960. 🌲🏔️📜

1. Introduction 📜🔍

Trask by Don Berry. Published in 1960 by The Viking Press.

This volume is a seminal work of Western American literature. While this copy is not in pristine condition, it is a well-loved and unique item, a philosophical and humanizing account of the pioneer experience. The book's literary depth and its status as a key work of a regional author make it a premier addition to any serious collection.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

Trask is a masterfully written novel that follows the spiritual and physical journey of a pioneer named Trask who sets out on a quest to find the perfect piece of land in the Oregon Territory. More than just a tale of adventure, the book delves into the themes of man versus nature, the search for a meaningful existence, and the moral complexities of settling a new land. Berry's prose is lyrical and powerful, setting it apart from more conventional Western novels and earning it a reputation as a classic of its genre.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Don Berry (1932-2001) was an American author and historian known for his insightful and deeply researched works on the American West. Though he published only three novels, his work is highly regarded by critics and scholars. Trask is considered his masterpiece and is a foundational text for understanding the history and literary identity of the Pacific Northwest. The Viking Press, the book's publisher, was one of the most distinguished American publishing houses of the 20th century.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1960, Trask emerged during a period of renewed interest in American history and the West. While many Westerns of the era were simple adventure stories, Berry's novel was a more serious and contemplative work. It offered a critical perspective on the mythology of the American pioneer, questioning the moral right to take land from native inhabitants and exploring the emotional costs of the westward expansion. This perspective makes the book a valuable cultural document of its time.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a perfect fit for a collector of Western American literature who values a book's narrative over its condition. It is a great option for a scholar who needs a sturdy copy for research or a collector who seeks to acquire a unique item with a lived history.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This edition of Trask is a rare and highly sought-after first edition. Its value is derived from its status as a classic novel and the scarcity of first editions. However, its significant damage on the covers and dust jacket severely impacts its monetary value. It is best suited for a collector who appreciates the book for its content and history, rather than its appearance.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book shows extensive signs of wear and age, as documented by the photos. The cloth covers and the dust jacket are visibly stained and discolored, particularly along the bottom edges, with what appears to be mildew or moisture damage. The dust jacket, while intact, has significant wear, and the pages themselves show some toning and foxing. This book is not in collector's condition and is sold as a "reader's copy."

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book does not contain any personal inscriptions, which is often desirable for a collectible of this type. Its value is derived from its intrinsic quality and a perfect state of preservation, exactly as it was intended to be received by the original reader.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The book was the first in a trilogy that also included Moontrap and To Build a Ship, but Trask remains the most celebrated of the three.

• Don Berry's research for the book was meticulous, drawing on original pioneer diaries and historical documents to create an authentic and accurate portrayal of the Oregon Trail.

• Despite its critical acclaim, Trask never achieved a large popular following, making first editions particularly scarce and highly prized by collectors.

• The book's philosophical depth has led many to compare it to the works of Herman Melville and Cormac McCarthy.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Trask

• Author: Don Berry

• Year: 1960

• Publisher: The Viking Press

• Place of Origin: New York, New York, USA

• Format: Hardcover with dust jacket

• Edition: First Edition

• Rarity: Rare