Red Dragon by Thomas Harris (1981 G.P. Putnam's Sons First Edition Hardcover)

A beautiful 1981 hardcover edition of Red Dragon, Thomas Harris's groundbreaking psychological thriller and the novel that first introduced readers to the unforgettable Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, this vintage edition retains its striking original red dust jacket, featuring the iconic dragon imagery inspired by William Blake's The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun.

First published in 1981, Red Dragon follows former FBI profiler Will Graham as he returns to investigate a series of brutal murders. His pursuit of a terrifying serial killer ultimately brings him face-to-face with the brilliant and deeply disturbing imprisoned psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter. A landmark of modern psychological suspense, the novel helped redefine the serial-killer thriller and laid the foundation for Harris's celebrated The Silence of the Lambs.

This exceptionally attractive vintage hardcover features clean, well-preserved boards, a handsome black cloth spine with crisp silver lettering, and a tight, square binding. The interior pages remain remarkably fresh and clean, with only light signs of age. The original unclipped dust jacket retains its vivid red artwork and $13.95 publisher's price, displaying slight sun fading, minor surface wear, and modest edge wear consistent with its age. Light discoloration to the boards and minor spotting along the text block are also present.

A handsome collector's copy of a landmark modern thriller and the literary debut of one of fiction's most enduring characters.