Birthday Books of the Day: "The really great writers are people like Emily Bronte who sit in a room and write out of their limited experience and unlimited imagination."

From his World War II Pacific stories to his doorstop historical novels, James A. Michener (1907-97) was among the most successful writers of the age. His first book, Tales of the South Pacific (1947), won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1948 and launched a deathless Broadway musical, South Pacific, in 1949. His book sales- over 75 million worldwide- enabled him to make charitable gifts of over $100 million in his lifetime. His advice to writers was to "write a book that Rogers & Hammerstein will read."

There’s nothing like a tale well told for a winter’s evening, and Henry Bemis Books has five of his classics on sale to celebrate his 110th birthday:

Michener, James A., The Bridges at Toko-Ri (Random House, 1st ed., 1952,  21st printing, 1953). LOC 52-7129. Michener’s classic war novel, in which a team of carrier-based jet bomber pilots must try to take out a key bridge in the Korean War. Hardcover, not price clipped, rubber stamped name/address of previous owner on front and back papers. Very good condition. HBB price: $25.

Michener, James A., Sayonara (Random House, 1st ed., 1954). LOC 54-5953. Tale of an American air force officer about to take a plus posting and marry the perfect girl. Of course, he falls for a Japanese dancer. A 1950s Madama Butterfly, made into a Marlon Brando film in 1957. Hardcover, not price clipped, mylar cover. Very good condition. HBB price: $35.

Michener, James A., Iberia: Spanish Travels and Reflections (Random House, 1st ed. 1968). LOC 67-22623. Michener’s conception of “a 19th-century English-style travel book with much personal observation, much reflection, and much affection”, and with photographs by Robert Vavra.Hardcover, unclipped dust jacket, very good condition. HBB price: $49.95.

Michener, James A., Texas (Random House, stated 1st ed., 1985). ISBN 0-394-54154-5. The Lone Star State gets the Michener historical saga treatment. Hardcover, unclipped dust jacket, very good condition. HBB price: $25.

Michener, James A., Caribbean (Random House, 1st ed., 1989).ISBN 0-394-56561-4. One of the master’s sweeping historical novels. Hardcover, not price clipped, 672 pp. Very good condition. HBB price: $25.

Henry Bemis Books is one man’s attempt to bring more diversity and quality to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg market of devoted readers starved for choices. Our website is at www.henrybemisbookseller.blogspot.com.  Henry Bemis Books is also happy to entertain reasonable offers on items in inventory. Shipping is always free; local buyers are welcome to drop by and pick up their purchases at our location off Peachtree Road in Northwest Charlotte if they like. #RareBooks #HenryBemisBooks #Michener #Charlotte