Talking God.

TONY HILLERMAN

Publication: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1989, New York

First edition. Signed by the author on the half title page. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are reunited in both Gallup, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., as each man uses vacation time to follow seemingly unrelated cases. The conflict over valuable ancient ceremonial masks ends in a clash of violence at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History. In addition to Hillerman's signature this copy has two original color drawings by Navajo artist Ernest Franklin, the first of which is a large, signed drawing opposite the title page that depicts Leaphorn (in a suit!) and Chee, holding a revolver as they investigate the counterfeiting of a valuable ceremonial mask (the Talking God). The second original color drawing appears on the half title page, is signed by Franklin, and is a drawing of "The Talking God" ceremonial mask. A fine bright copy in a fine bright dust jacket and housed in a cloth slipcase. An exceptional copy and very scarce.

Inventory Number: 53123