Description:

STEPHEN CRANE
(1871 - 1900) American author and journalist best known for his Civil War novel, The Red Badge of Courage. Died of tuberculosis while on assignment in Cuba during the Spanish American War. A very rare, limited edition book signed at the conclusion of his short story, "The Wise Men", published within. The volume, one of only 125, is entitled The Langhorn Book Being a Small Collection of Tales and Verses read at The Sign o' the Lantern, 126 William Street New York, 54pp. 4to., published by Crane's literary club in New York, 1898. On the half title page, it reads: "Edition Limited to One Hundred and Twenty-Five Copies...", with this volume being number 38. In 1895, Irving Bacheller's syndicate serialized an abridged version of The Red Badge of Courage, introducing the 24-year-old writer to the reading public. Earlier that year, Bacheller and Crane founded a literary club with a few other young men, which they dubbed "The Sign o' the Lantern". The New York Times heralded the club as having its quarters in the oldest house in the city, and enjoying the membership of such illustrious literary enthusiasts such as Theodore Roosevelt, Hamlin Garland, and others. Crane wrote "The Wise Men" in 1896, based on his experiences in Mexico, published in this volume two years later. He signs in full in bold brown ink, and the volume is additionally signed by other authors whose works appear within: JOHN LANGDON HEATON, IRVING BACHELLER, POST WHEELER, M. QUAD (the pen name of Charles B. Lewis), and CHARLES KELSEY GAINES. French folds, printed in black and red titled and initial letters. Original tan quarter suede, dark green cloth boards, label, with pages within uncut. Expertly rebacked in matching suede, binding solid, but back cover and pages within damp-stained and cockled as a result at bottom margin, lightly affecting Crane's signature. Also bears a 3" tear on blank area of title page, but generally good condition, and certainly a very rare find.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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