Author: Lionel Shriver

“The Mandibles” was published simultaneously in the U.S. and the U.K on June 21, 2016. It is a fictional account of a once wealthy family spanning four generations, set in a future world of hyperinflation. Shriver expressed a distinct libertarian, Austrian School perspective, and yet the mainstream reviews were generally positive. New York Times book reviewer Ruth Franklin dubbed Shriver the “Cassandra Of American Letters”, and referred to the novel as a disquieting example of the new genre of dystopian finance fiction. Not surprisingly, she disagreed with Shriver’s political perspective, instead saying the downfall would be caused by climate change and corporate greed.

Overall, the reviews were positive. The New Yorker noted Shriver’s “sharp social eye and blistering comic streak.” The Financial Times of London made it a summer reading pick.

Enter Matt Odell

“The Mandibles” became very popular in the bitcoin community mostly because of Matt Odell’s enthusiastic and constant praise in podcasts. He did a long interview with Shriver, who admitted that the one mention of bitcoin in the book was dismissive, and stated that she remained skeptical of “crypto.” She was and is more of a gold bug.

First Editions

The book was published on the same day (6/21/2016) in both the U.S. and the U.K., so both editions can be deemed “true firsts.” There are signed pre-publication editions that show up on the market also, and would likely be the most scarce. Something to keep in mind: The U.S. hardcover is the true U.S. first edition, whereas the U.K softcover was issued before the U.K. hardcover. This is not unusual. There was also a Harper Collins Canadian edition released in 2016.

Availability on satwize

satwize currently sells The Mandibles. Collectible editions should be available soon.