Hardcover. NY, The Viking Press, 1st US, 1989, Book: Very Good, Dust Jacket: Very Good, Hardcover in a bright, unclipped dust jacket with lettering on dj in gilt. First printing with all numbers present including 1. Rushdie's most controversial work, for which he received death threats and a Fatwah post-publication. 'Language is courage: the ability to conceive a thought, to speak it, and by doing so to make it true.'- Rushdie. The book was inspired by the life of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. As with his previous books, Rushdie used magical realism and relied on contemporary events and people to create his characters. Related news clipping laid in.