A 1983 first-printing hardcover of The River Why, David James Duncan’s beloved fishing novel and coming-of-age story.
This is the kind of book readers return to for more than plot: it starts with Gus Orviston chasing the perfect angling life in a remote cabin, then opens into something bigger about solitude, love, wilderness, and what a meaningful life actually looks like.
For book lovers, it has that ideal mix of readable and collectible—clean first printing points, original dust jacket, and a cover that instantly signals river, hook, and obsession.
Quick Specs
-
Item Type: Hardcover book with dust jacket
-
Size: 9 x 6 x 1 in.
-
Material: Paper-covered boards with cloth spine; paper dust jacket
-
Color: Mustard/gold jacket with blue-green cover art; blue cloth spine with tan boards
-
Origin or Maker: Sierra Club Books, San Francisco
-
Year or Era: 1983
-
GENRE: Literary Fiction / Fishing Novel
-
Language / Pages: English / 294 pages
-
Identifiers: ISBN 0-87156-321-5
Edition & Features
-
Edition/Printing: First printing, full number line present
-
Dust Jacket: Present, price shown $12.95
-
Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Jacket design and illustration credited to Fred Marcellino
-
Extras: Author photo on rear jacket; original flaps present
Condition Grade: Very Good
Notes:
- Solid, attractive copy with light-to-moderate wear.
- Dust jacket shows edge wear, small corner bumps/chips, light creasing, and a noticeable short tear/crease at the lower front panel near the title band.
- Minor rubbing/scuffing to jacket. Boards underneath look clean and bright, with light edge wear.
- Page block shows mild age toning. Interior pages shown appear clean and unmarked, with tight, square binding.
See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
About the Author: David James Duncan
David James Duncan’s The River Why was published by Sierra Club Books in 1983 and is widely regarded as his breakthrough novel. The copyright page in this copy shows the 1983 first-printing number line, and bookseller records describe the first edition as Duncan’s first book and an important fly-fishing novel of the American West.
A great copy for the reader who likes fishing books with brains, humor, and real heart.
Shelf-worthy vintage finds you can trust. Find Your Story.
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
∙Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
∙Packed with our protective packaging standard
∙Ships in 1 business day
∙Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)
Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
