Item #47122 A Book of Verses. Edgar Lee MASTERS.
A Book of Verses.

A Book of Verses.

Chicago: Way & Williams, 1898. Hardcover. Small 8vo. Grey paper over boards with front and rear board paper labels. 207pp. Very good. Binding rather edgworn and age toned, with front paper label showing some tiny chips -- else internally tight and near fine. Item #47122

A tight, fairly nice first edition of the first book by the Illinois poet (1868-1950) best known for the 1915 "Spoon River Anthology." Even better, the front flyleaf is inscribed and signed large and bold in black ink by Masters' wife: "For Amy Peirce / from / Helen Jenkins Masters / May, 1905." (Presumably Peirce inked the checkmarks alongside ten poem titles in table of contents.) Helen Jenkins Masters (1874-1958) was the first of the poet's two wives; they wed in 1898 and produced three children and much unhappiness before Masters' former law partner Clarence Darrow represented her in their 1922 divorce. Very scarce and quite desirable.

Price: $750.00

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