1969, 1st Ed, 7th Printing in DJ, SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE, by KURT VONNEGUT, WW2

Description: Slaughterhouse-Five or The Childrens' Crusade, A Duty-Dance with Death by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. New York: A Seymour Lawrence Book / Delacorte Press 1969 First Edition, Seventh Printing Octavo, 186 pages, publisher's original first state dust jacket with the original price of $5.95 unclipped and the code "0369" on the back flap. Publisher's original gilt lettered blue cloth covered boards. The dust jacket is now in a protective mylar sleeve. Some minor rubbing and wear, else in very good condition. Slaughterhouse-Five, published in 1969, is one of Kurt Vonnegut's most renowned works and a seminal piece of American literature that explores the horrors and absurdities of war. The novel follows Billy Pilgrim, a World War II soldier who survives the bombing of Dresden—a devastating event that Vonnegut himself witnessed. Billy becomes "unstuck in time," experiencing his life in a non-linear fashion, which includes moments from his time as a soldier, his post-war life as an optometrist, and his abduction by the alien Tralfamadorians. This unconventional structure challenges traditional storytelling by blending reality with science fiction and rejecting chronological progression. The Tralfamadorians, who perceive all moments in time simultaneously, introduce a philosophical dimension to the narrative, questioning the concept of free will and presenting time as fixed and immutable. Vonnegut employs dark humor and irony to underscore the absurdity of war and human suffering, often repeating the phrase "so it goes" after any mention of death, which highlights the inevitability and randomness of mortality. The novel’s anti-war message is reinforced by its portrayal of the senseless destruction of Dresden, a city bombed to ruins despite its lack of military significance. Through its unique narrative style, time-travel elements, and satirical commentary, Slaughterhouse-Five confronts the reader with the chaos of existence and the incomprehensible nature of human behavior, making it a powerful statement against the brutality of war and a profound exploration of human consciousness and fate. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and don't forget to check out my other listings.

Price: 250.25 USD

Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-10-27T15:26:55.000Z

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