I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down (2002) Signed First Reference

I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down was published by Free Press in 2002, Gay’s first story collection. The title story was adapted into the acclaimed 2009 film That Evening Sun, starring Hal Holbrook. The collection showcases Gay’s mastery of the short form — compressed narratives set in rural Tennessee that capture the violence, humor, and sadness of lives lived close to the bone.

The Book

The stories demonstrate the range of Gay’s talent within his chosen territory. Rural Tennessee provides the setting for tales of domestic violence, bootlegging, infidelity, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people confronting extraordinary circumstances. Gay’s prose is as assured in the short form as in the novel — perhaps more so, as the compression intensifies his already dense, imagistic style.

The Hal Holbrook film adaptation brought Gay to a wider audience and increased collector interest in the source material.

First Edition Identification

Publisher: Free Press (Simon & Schuster), New York Publication date: 2002 Format: Hardcover in dust jacket

Signed Copy Market Values

• Signed first edition, fine/fine: $75–$200
• Inscribed copies: $100–$350
• Unsigned first edition: $15–$35

The film connection adds crossover appeal. A strong collection that demonstrates Gay’s range and consistency.