A Child-World (Signed)

James Whitcomb Riley

Published by Bowen-Merrell, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1897

About this Item

Signed on FFEP by the author. Condition: NEAR FINE EXCEEDINGLY SCARCE to find a true first state of this book that is also signed AND in high grade collectible condition. BOOK INFO Published in 1897 in Indianapolis, Indiana by Bowen-Merrell. First Edition, first printing, first state as indicated by correct publication date of 1897 with no other printing listed and the misspelling of POEM as "PROEM" at the top of the first table of contents page. In original red cloth with gilt lettering and decoration and single filet gilt paneling on top board. Octavo. Frontispiece. Top edge gilt. Collated and complete, including all publisher ads. ABOUT THE AUTHOR James Whitcomb Riley (October 7, 1849 - July 22, 1916) was an American writer, poet, and best-selling author. During his lifetime he was known as the "Hoosier Poet" and "Children's Poet" for his dialect works and his children's poetry. His poems tend to be humorous or sentimental. Of the approximately 1,000 poems Riley wrote, the majority are in dialect. As a poet, Riley achieved an uncommon level of fame during his lifetime. He was honored with annual Riley Day celebrations around the United States and was regularly called on to perform readings at national civic events. He continued to write and hold occasional poetry readings until a stroke paralyzed his right arm in 1910. Riley's chief legacy was his influence in fostering the creation of a Midwestern cultural identity and his contributions to the Golden Age of Indiana Literature. With other writers of his era, he helped create a caricature of Midwesterners and formed a literary community that produced works rivaling the established eastern literati. There are many memorials dedicated to Riley, including the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. CONDITION REPORT NEAR FINE Square spine, firm hinges and joints. Colorful cloth, a touch sun-faded spine. Lightly rubbed boards and spine tips and bumped corners else FINE. Interior is clean with mild natural page toning. Former owner name stamped on front pastedown. The text is clean and bright with no writing or foxing. Overall, a superior copy in high grade condition of a rare first state book that is signed by the iconic James Whitcomb Riley. A true prize for any book collector, particularly admirers of the author's famous poetry and prose.

Seller Inventory # 250413002

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Child-World (Signed)
• Publisher: Bowen-Merrell, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Publication Date: 1897
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Literature
  • Antique (1800-1920s)
  • Autographs & Signed Books