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John O’Brien – Leaving Las Vegas – First US Edition 1990
£375.00
A first edition, first printing published by Watermark Press in 1990. A fine book without inscriptions and spotting, in a near fine unclipped wrapper. Not published in the UK.
The heartbreaking story of Ben Sanderson, a failed screenwriter who, in the depths of alcoholism, travels to Las Vegas with the intent of drinking himself to death. Set against the backdrop of the city’s glitzy and hedonistic lifestyle, the novel explores themes of addiction, self-destruction, and the human desire for connection and redemption. Ben’s journey is a haunting portrayal of despair, and O’Brien’s writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the brutality of alcoholism and the isolation that often accompanies it. His vivid descriptions of the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas contrast sharply with the city’s glamorous facade, creating a powerful and disquieting atmosphere.
Tragically, John O’Brien’s own struggles with alcoholism mirrored those of his protagonist, and he took his own life shortly after the novel’s publication, adding a poignant layer to the story. “Leaving Las Vegas” was later adapted into a successful film starring Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, bringing wider attention to O’Brien’s poignant exploration of addiction and the human condition.
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- Description
Description
A first edition, first printing published by Watermark Press in 1990. A fine book without inscriptions and spotting, in a near fine unclipped wrapper. Not published in the UK.
The heartbreaking story of Ben Sanderson, a failed screenwriter who, in the depths of alcoholism, travels to Las Vegas with the intent of drinking himself to death. Set against the backdrop of the city’s glitzy and hedonistic lifestyle, the novel explores themes of addiction, self-destruction, and the human desire for connection and redemption. Ben’s journey is a haunting portrayal of despair, and O’Brien’s writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the brutality of alcoholism and the isolation that often accompanies it. His vivid descriptions of the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas contrast sharply with the city’s glamorous facade, creating a powerful and disquieting atmosphere.
Tragically, John O’Brien’s own struggles with alcoholism mirrored those of his protagonist, and he took his own life shortly after the novel’s publication, adding a poignant layer to the story. “Leaving Las Vegas” was later adapted into a successful film starring Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, bringing wider attention to O’Brien’s poignant exploration of addiction and the human condition.
