In Dubious Battle – John Steinbeck

In Dubious Battle. By John Steinbeck. New York: Covici Friede, 1936. First edition, first printing, in original unclipped dust jacket ($2.50 price stated). Chipping at corners and top edge of jacket, and loss at lower front panel extending to tail, effecting author name. Damp stain at center spine of jacket. Book is very good, hinges tight, top edge stained red.

Steinbeck’s novel involves fruit-workers in California and an effort to organize laborers to gain fair wages and working conditions. The title alludes to a passage from Paradise Lost by John Milton, “In dubious battle on the plans of heaven; And shook his throne. What though the field be lost?”.