Updike, John. (Editor). HI-LIFE 1950

Shillington: Senior Class of Shillington High School, [1950]. John Updike's own copy of his high school yearbook. 4to. Illustrated with numerous photographs, including a large one of Updike as class president, accompanied by a 17-line poem by him. The future author also appears in seven group photographs. Updike composed the lyrics to the class song (two verses to the tune of Auld Lang Syne) and as a staff artist also contributed many of the drawings and caricatures that appear throughout the book (initialed “JU”).

Signed by Updike who gifted it to his publisher, Herb Yellin, noting that, in addition to the contributions already mentioned: “Text on page 14 and final working of senior sketches mine. My dear father on page 12. John Updike.” A photograph of the author’s father, Wesley R. Updike, who taught mathematics, does appear along with other school staff members on page 12. Since there were fewer than 120 members of the Class of 1950, it is unlikely that more than that number of copies were printed. The entry by Updike’s class picture notes that “The Sage of Plowville hopes to write for a living. Fine (issued without dust jacket). Hardcover.