018

Catch-22

Joseph HellerPublished by Simon and Schuster: New York, 1961

Catch-22 is set during World War II and follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Force B-25 bombardier who is stationed on a Mediterranean island. The novel presents a satirical and absurd view of military bureaucracy and the contradictions of war. The term “Catch-22” refers to the paradoxical rule that makes it impossible for soldiers to escape dangerous combat missions: if they are sane enough to know they shouldn’t be flying dangerous missions, they are considered fit to fly them. Through its dark humor and intricate narrative, the book critiques the illogical and dehumanizing aspects of war and bureaucracy. The novel was adapted into a Hulu miniseries, Catch-22, bringing its surreal wartime satire to television audiences.

Catch-22 has faced challenges and bans due to its explicit content, including graphic depictions of violence, sexual situations, and its irreverent portrayal of the military and authority. The novel’s dark satire, which criticizes war and bureaucracy, was deemed controversial by some readers and institutions. Additionally, its use of strong language and its critical stance on military operations led to its removal from certain schools and libraries, where it was considered inappropriate or offensive. Despite these challenges, Catch-22 remains a significant and influential work in American literature.

Buy Now: US$22,000

Accepting payments in stablecoins.

Our books are sourced directly from sellers affiliated with the ABA, ABAA, ILAB, ABAC, ANZAAB, IOBA, PBFA, MWABA, CBA, NVvA, VEBUKU, SNEAB, ALADA, Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Germany, AILA, GIAQ, ALAI, BVDG, Federal Association of German Galleries and Art Dealers, SVAF, The Swedish Association of Antiquarian Booksellers, ESA, RMABA, VDAÖ, The German Publishers and Booksellers Association, Asociación de Libreros de Lance de Madrid, FABA, MABA, MAE, Texas Booksellers Association, Amigos del Libro Antiguo de Sevilla, Den Danske Antikvarboghandlerforening, LIBRIS Association of Antiquarian Booksellers of Madrid, maintaining the highest professional standards in the rare bookselling business.