An exceptionally rare signed first edition of the first collection of short stories by Ghassan Kanafani, the Palestinian writer who was assassinated in 1972. Published in Beirut in 1961, it is divided into three parts containing stories related to Palestine and broader philosophical issues. The title of the book is taken from one of the stories in the third part. This a first printing, signed on the title page by Kanafani and dated July 1961. It includes a dedication to the poet Luay al-Assad. Kanafani (1936-1972) is regarded as one of the most important Arab authors of the 20th century, with his 1963 novel Men in the Sun winning particular international acclaim. Living most of his life in forced exile in Lebanon and Syria, and involved with a number of Palestinian militant movements,  Kanafani was assassinated in Lebanon in 1972 by Israel’s Mossad. Published in 1961 by Maninima Library in Beirut. In good condition. Softcover, with card wrappers. Loss to top area of spine, a few marks to rear board. Tanning to pages. Previous owner’s name and inscription in Arabic to title page. 205 pages. 20cm x 14cm. This is a significant and extremely scarce piece of 20th century Arabic literary history. بين دفتي هذا الكتاب تبدأ الحكاية, حكاية غسان كنفاني الطبعة الأولى للكتاب الأول لغسان كنفاني “موت السري رقم 12” طباعة مكتبة منينمة بيروت 1961 وموقعة بخط اليد. تعتبر هذه اللحظة هي لحظة ولادة أيقونة الأدب الفلسطيني. هذه الطبعة النادرة وجدت بحالة جيدة جدا وبتوقيع واضح مؤرخ تموز 1961 مع إهداء إلى الشاعرلؤي الأسعد