The Folio Society has this week launched the first illustrated edition of Joan Didion’s groundbreaking masterpiece, ‘Slouching Towards Bethlehem’. Originally published in 1968 to critical acclaim, ‘Slouching Towards Bethlehem’ was Didion’s seminal debut.
The book offers readers a poignant exploration of the tumultuous 1960s in the author’s native America. Through twenty incisive essays, Didion dissects the disintegration of the Californian Dream, delving into the complexities of the Haight-Ashbury counterculture scene in San Francisco, immortalised in the title piece. Amidst these societal reflections, Didion also shares intimate personal anecdotes, including a moving elegy recounting her initial experiences living in New York City.
Joan Didion (1934–2021) emerged as a prominent American novelist, essayist, and journalist, beginning her illustrious career at Vogue in the 1950s. Renowned for her penetrating insights into the darker facets of 1960s counterculture, Didion’s journalistic endeavours culminated in acclaimed collections such as ‘Slouching Towards Bethlehem’ and ‘The White Album’. Her contributions to literature include the celebrated memoir ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ and classic novels like ‘Play As it Lays’.
The Folio Society’s edition of ‘Slouching Towards Bethlehem’ exudes elegance. It is bound in textured paper and adorned with a captivating portrait of Joan crafted by esteemed artist Don Bachardy. Readers embark on a visual journey enriched with a curated selection of paintings, posters, and photographs, meticulously assembled by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and Didion confidante, Hilton Als.
Among the visual treasures, readers will encounter photographs by iconic artists Richard Avedon, Edward Weston, and Garry Winogrand, offering a captivating glimpse into the vibrant cultural landscape of 1960s California.
Elevating the reader experience to new heights, The Folio Society’s illustrated edition of ‘Slouching Towards Bethlehem’ promises to be a collector’s item for enthusiasts of literature, art, and cultural history. Secure your copy exclusively at www.foliosociety.com.
