The Satanic Verses is a 1988 magical realism novel by Salman Rushdie. The novel weaves together different narratives spread across hundreds of years, framed by the story of two competing Indian Muslim actors. The publication of The Satanic Verses caused controversy, particularly due to the novel's supposedly blasphemous depiction of the prophet Muhammad. The book was burned, riots resulted in death, and a religious edict was issued against Rushdie in 1989 by the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini that called for the author to be killed. Rushdie was placed under police protection; several translators of the novel were attacked or killed by people who wanted the novel banned. Black boards, gilt stamped author. Title and publisher on spine. 546 numbered pages. Excellent condition with one corner slightly bumped. No dust jacket.