A signed first edition of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is on display at Once Upon A Time Books in Bentonville through the end of June, giving local readers a chance to see the rare book that helped define the true crime genre.
The 1966 edition, one of only a few hundred signed by Capote, is considered a cornerstone in American literary nonfiction. The book chronicles the 1959 murders of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, and the subsequent investigation and trial. Its meticulous detail and narrative style broke new ground, blending journalism with novelistic storytelling.
A Local Spot for Literary History
Located on the Bentonville Square, Once Upon A Time Books has long been a hub for collectors and casual readers alike. Owner Becky Simpson said the bookstore has carried rare and collectible titles for years, but displaying a signed Capote first edition is a special moment for the shop and the community.
“People come in all the time looking for something unique, and this is about as unique as it gets in American literature,” Simpson said. “We’ve had visitors from all over Arkansas and beyond just to see it.”
The book is viewable during regular store hours, and while it’s not for sale, the display has drawn steady interest from students, writers, and longtime fans of Capote’s work. Some visitors have brought copies of their own to compare, flipping through pages to see the differences in typeface, cover design, and binding.
Simpson noted that first-edition copies signed by Capote are extremely rare, with most held in private collections or university archives. The store obtained the book through a private dealer and plans to return it to its owner after the exhibit concludes.
Why In Cold Blood Still Matters
More than 55 years after its publication, In Cold Blood remains a touchstone in discussions about crime writing, journalism, and the ethics of storytelling. Capote spent over six years researching and writing the book, embedding himself in the small Kansas town and gaining the trust of both locals and the killers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock.
The book’s influence stretches into modern true crime podcasts, documentaries, and novels. For many readers, seeing an early edition — especially one signed by the author — offers a tangible link to that legacy.
“It’s one thing to read it on your Kindle, but there’s something about holding the same edition that people were lining up for in 1966,” said frequent visitor Matt Reynolds, a retired teacher from Rogers. “You can feel the weight of the moment.”
Reynolds, who teaches a literature course at the University of Arkansas, said he plans to bring his summer book club to see the edition later this month. “It’s a rare chance to connect with a piece of American literary history right here in Bentonville,” he said.
A Community Connection
Bentonville has become a destination for more than just retail and outdoor recreation. With institutions like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the growing presence of arts and literary events, the city continues to attract cultural programming that resonates beyond its borders.
For Simpson, hosting the Capote exhibit is part of a larger mission to make Once Upon A Time Books a space where serious readers and curious newcomers can gather. “We’re not just a store,” she said. “We’re a place where stories — old and new — can be shared.”
The display runs through June 30 and is free to the public. Once Upon A Time Books is located at 109 N. Main St. in downtown Bentonville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Source: 5News KFSM
