Autographed copy. As the Roger S. Berlind Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Princeton University and as the author of numerous works of fiction, Joyce Carol Oates is nationally recognized for her work as both an educator and author. Professor Oates has been the recipient of the National Book Award, the PEN/ Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction, and in 2005 her novel The Falls was awarded the prestigious Prix Femina award. Set in the city of Niagara Falls during the 1950s, The Falls is the story of Ariah Littrell-- a homely, awkward daughter of a minister who was widowed on her wedding night. Her short-lived marriage was ended when her young minister husband committed suicide by throwing himself into the falls. Henceforth, she believes she is damned to be unhappy. Her future is revitalized when a wealthy, altruistic gentleman falls in love with her. However, Ariah's paranoia and unnatural fears put a strain on the relationship and ultimately become self-fulfilling. Publishers Weekly notes, "[Joyce Carol Oates] is at the top of her form...spinning a haunting story in which nature and humans are equally rapacious and self-destructive." This hardcover copy is in excellent condition.