• THE CHILDREN OF THE FIRST MAN by James Alexander Thom Published by Ballentine Books ©1994 Autographed First Edition Cover
  • The Children of First Man Author Signature
  • THE CHILDREN OF THE FIRST MAN by James Alexander Thom Published by Ballentine Books ©1994 Autographed First Edition Back Cover
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Ballantine Books

Signed First Edition The Children of First Man | James Alexander Thom Hardcover

Signed First Edition The Children of First Man | James Alexander Thom Hardcover

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AT A GLANCE

Title:
The Children of First Man
Publisher:
Ballantine Books
Artist:
Cover: George Catlin painting, "Four Bears, Second Chief in Morning" 1832
Author:
James Alexander Thom
Era:
Late 20th Century Americana (1970 – 1999)
Date:
July 1994 (First Edition)
Condition:
Very Good | Like New
Cover:
Hardcover with dust jacket
Pages:
547
ISBN:
9780449149706
Book genre:
Historical Fiction | Native American Fiction
Notes:
Signed by Author on Title Page

Signed First Edition Exploring the Legend of Prince Madoc & Early America

The Children of First Man by James Alexander Thom is a sweeping historical novel blending medieval Welsh legend, Native American history, and frontier adventure into an epic narrative spanning several centuries. Published by Ballantine Books in July 1994, this is a signed first edition hardcover with dust jacket.

Drawing upon the long-debated legend of Prince Madoc — the Welsh explorer said to have reached North America centuries before Columbus — Thom imagines a lost people gradually absorbed into Indigenous cultures along the Missouri River. The story moves from the stone castles of medieval Wales to the Mandan villages of the American plains, weaving together themes of migration, identity, survival, and cultural transformation.

Known for his deeply researched historical fiction, James Alexander Thom combines adventure storytelling with extensive historical detail, creating a richly atmospheric novel that appeals to collectors of frontier fiction, Native American history, and alternative early-America narratives. The striking dust jacket reproduces George Catlin’s 1832 painting Four Bears, Second Chief in Mourning, adding additional visual appeal for Americana and Western art collectors.

Collector’s Note

James Alexander Thom developed a loyal following among readers of historically grounded American frontier fiction, particularly collectors who appreciate authors such as Allan Eckert and Tony Hillerman. Signed first editions of Thom’s works continue to attract interest for their blend of careful historical research, Native American themes, and cinematic storytelling. This title is especially sought after for its imaginative treatment of the enduring Prince Madoc legend and its connection to early exploration lore in North America.

The 547-page hardcover book is in very good to like-new condition and appears unread. Binding remains tight with clean, unmarked pages. Dust jacket is crisp with no noted tears or significant edge wear. Signed by James Alexander Thom on the title page.

Author Biography

Born in Indiana, James Alexander Thom (1933–2023) was an American author best known for historical novels centered on colonial America, the frontier, and Native American history. Before becoming a full-time novelist, Thom worked as a journalist and taught journalism at Indiana University. His novels are recognized for their extensive historical research and immersive storytelling, often blending documented history with regional folklore and oral traditions. Thom and his wife, Dark Rain Thom, collaborated on several historical works exploring Indigenous cultures and early American history.

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