GIANT by Edna Ferber (1952 Hardcover)


  • Author:   Edna Ferber(1885 – 1968)

  • Publisher:   Doubleday & Company, Inc., New York, NY   USA   1952


The book is an epic portrayal of a powerful Texas ranching family challenged by changing times and the coming of big oil. A major subplot concerns the racism of many Anglo-European Americans in Texas during the mid twentieth century and the discriminatory social segregation enforced against Mexican Americans.


"Giant" was made into a 1956 American epic Western drama film, directed by George Stevens from a screenplay adapted by Fred Guiol and Ivan Moffat from this novel. The film stared Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean and featured Carroll Baker, Jane Withers, Chill Wills, Mercedes McCambridge, Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Rod Taylor, Elsa Cardenas and Earl Holliman. “Giant” was the last of James Dean's three films as a leading actor, and earned him his second and last Academy Award nomination – he was killed in a car accident before the film was released. "Giant" won the Academy Award for Best Director and was nominated for nine other awards.


This was the 15th NOVEL by Edna Ferber(1885 – 1968), so released with a lot of publicity. She won the 1924 PULITZER PRIZE for her novel SO BIG .


Fully Bound in BLACK CLOTH with SILVER Spine Lettering. BRICK Colored End Papers w/Author's INITIALS in WHITE on the FFEP & RPD. DECKLED Fore Edges. Hardcover w/o DJ has wear in spine. Rear gutter torn. Text tight, clean & unmarked, except POS on FFEP.


  • Size:  8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall, 447pp

  • Condition: Good Hardcover w/o Dust Jacket



Copyright 1952. Title page indicates this copy was printed in year of copyright, but no print-run info found. LCCN: 52-10412. No ISBN nor MSR.


Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:


Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new”.  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...


Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.


Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.


Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” The most likely condition

for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.


Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or

a book that has been damaged.)


Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).


Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.


1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.


Thanks for looking!