986 Appraisal

98.6° by Leon Z. Surmelian, First Edition (1950)

This item is a 1950 first edition copy of the novel '98.6°' authored by Leon Z. Surmelian. The image displays the copyright page and the half-title page. The text clearly indicates a copyright date of 1950 by Leon Z. Surmelian and explicitly states 'FIRST EDITION' in uppercase letters. The book appears to be a standard hardcover octavo size, though the exterior binding is only partially visible at the bottom edge, suggesting a brown or tan cloth binding. The paper quality shows characteristic light toning consistent with a mid-20th-century publication but remains remarkably clean without significant foxing or damp staining visible on the shown leaves. Notably, there is a faint blue ink price or inventory marking ('0.30') visible on the copyright page, which is a common occurrence in used or estate books. The typography is a classic serif font typical of American publishing in the 1950s, specifically printed in the U.S.A. The layout is clean with generous margins, indicating a quality trade production. The binding gutter appears intact and tight, signifying the book has been well-preserved and not subject to extreme spine stress. Leon Surmelian was a notable Armenian-American author, and finding a first edition of this specific work in such clean internal condition is desirable for collectors of mid-century literature or ethnic studies materials.