[Signed] [First Edition] A Child - World (ASSOCIATION COPY) Riley

SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY AUTHOR on a tipped-in leaf at front - "For- Orange Frazer, Esq.- From very gratefully and truly, - James Whitcomb Riley Indianapolis, Ind., October 7th, 1896. He was a dreamer of the days." While Russo, p.65 notes "There exist a number of presentation copies of the Bowen-Merrill Company edition with an inserted leaf bearing the author's inscription dated October 9th, 1896" , a copy inscribed by Riley to his brother, dated OCTOBER 7TH, 1896 (as is this copy), is referenced in a footnote at the bottom of p. 65: "The 'Biographical Edition', Vol. 4, Notes, p. 551, contains the author's poetical inscription in a copy of the book presented to his brother, October 7, 1896." Thus making this copy possibly one of only 2 that were signed and dated at this earliest of possible dates. A First Edition, First State copy, Near Fine, slight wear at spine ends. A period newspaper clipping affixed to front paste down that explains this copy's unique significance - "Our readers will remember that we spoke several months ago of the letter and book which Mr. Orange Frazer had had from James Whitcomb Riley, in response to the sending of a copy of one of the poet's early poems which Mr. Frazer had preserved. Immediately on the appearance of Mr. Riley's new book ' The Child World', (sic) he forwarded Mr. Frazer a beautiful copy of it, the title page inscribed as follows (see above) . The quoted line is the first of the poem which Mr. Frazer had sent him, and refers to 'Noey Bixler', one of the principal characters of the book, who could make all sorts of things but could not even whistle 'Bonny Doon'.Mr. Frazer very much appreciates the volume of poems, and the remembrance Mr. Riley bears of the favor he was able to do him." Orange Frazer,(1849-1917), clerk of the Ohio Supreme Court and avid book collector. Size: 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall

Estimate:$750

View all items fromAbeBooksorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts