With a Foreword by the Author

With his first book, John O'Hara emphatically made his presence felt among the foremost writers of America. The appearance of Appointment in Samarra was the signal for unanimous praise from the critics and the unqualified enthusiasm of readers everywhere. Upon the foundation of this first book, John O'Hara has built his reputation through subsequent novels and collections of short stories, until today his position in the front ranks of contemporary novelists is unchallenged. For the Modern Library edition of Appointment in Samarra, John O'Hara contributes a revealing Foreword, setting forth with rare insight and candor the circumstances under which his novel was written and the personal meanings it has for him.