London: Viking, 1988. First Edition. 547pp. Hardcover: NEAR FINE. Dust Wrapper: NEAR FINE. Book appears unread; modest shelf wear and faint staining on the front text block. Wrapper is bright and unclipped, with insignificant chipping, some suntanning to the spine and toning on inside flaps. SIGNED by the author.

Rushdie's fourth work of fiction, and one that became as famous for the controversy it created as it was for the quality of work. Following mass hysteria that led to book-burning demonstrations by Muslims in the United Kingdom, India, and the rest of the Islamic world (for alleged blasphemy), Rushdie was sentenced to death by an edict ("fatwa") issued by the late, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. He was forced to go into deep hiding under British secret-service protection, and although he now lives a largely peaceful life in NYC, Rushdie himself remains vigilant, and has said that he will have to watch his back for the rest of his life. The Satanic Verses was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.