A book by Boris Pasternak in 1957 and quickly translated into English to become a smash hit in the year 1958. This printing is a later edition in December of 1958 in the 301k - 340k reorder of this book to supply the growing demand. The story in this book is a twisted drama of relationships compounded by the politics and culture of life in the Soviet Union leading up to Word War II. It's a tragic story that paints the grim realities of living under communism based on the very real life experiences of the author. The ultimate irony is that this book sold so well in western culture, somewhat propped up through encouragement from the CIA to sell this book in as many people in as many countries as possible. The Soviet Union on the other hand demonized Pasternak until he died a few years later. Even talking about trying to imprison him for his writings. It's a difficult and heart breaking story that is only made more heartbreaking by the realities it is based on.

This binding has some damage. One could call it "character", but it looks as though it was smashed into something in storage or chewed on by an animal. Either way, expect some "character" on the lower spine. It still holds together well though. Also, this book contains a special surprise inside. I don't want to spoil it, so you have to buy it and read it to fully appreciate it.