Three Midnight Stories

Three Midnight Stories (1916) — A Rare, Signed Presentation Copy of a Limited Fine Press Supernatural Classic Copy No. 19 of Only 500 — Inscribed by Biographer Albert Bigelow Paine to AT&T President Theodore N. Vail Secure an extraordinary, museum-grade crossover artifact of early 20th-century American literature, fine bookmaking, and industrial provenance. Published by The Century Co. in New York, this beautiful, strictly limited posthumous volume was produced from type as a high-art tribute to Alexander W. Drake, the legendary founding art director of Century Magazine. Elite Association & Historic Provenance: The Inscription: Hand-signed and dated on the front flyleaf: "To Theodore N. Vail, From Albert Bigelow Paine, Nov. 10, 1916." * The Recipient: Theodore N. Vail was the monumental first president of AT&T, a giant of American industry, and a noted Gilded Age bibliophile. The Inscriber: Albert Bigelow Paine was Mark Twain's chosen biographer, a close literary executor, and a major contributor to this very volume. Collector & Literary Highlights: Strictly Limited Fine Press Printing: This edition was strictly limited to only 500 copies printed from type, of which this is the highly desirable, early No. 19. Macabre & Supernatural Lore: A highly sought-after collection of ghost and supernatural tales, famously referenced in E.F. Bleiler's definitive guide, The Guide to Supernatural Fiction. Artistry & Tributes: Enhanced with seven gorgeous photogravures. Includes an intimate introductory essay, "A Memory" by Albert Bigelow Paine, alongside "A Brief Biography" by Clarence Clough Buel, "An Appreciation" by William Fayal Clarke, and "A Word of Tribute" by Robert Underwood Johnson. Condition & Material Details: Binding: Original publisher's premium Vegetable Parchment / Hardcover with top edge gilt (T.e.g.). State: Good +. The text block is structurally firm, tight, and exceptionally clean inside. Wear Notes: True to the delicate nature of early vegetable parchment bindings, the paper has naturally darkened along the spine and shows honest shelf wear. There is a small spot on the front board where a vintage sticker was previously removed. Note: Originally issued in a fragile paper box and dust jacket, which are not present. Format: 12mo (Duodecimo) — over 6" - 7" tall. An irreplaceable, investment-grade acquisition for premier institutional archives or serious private collections specializing in supernatural fiction, fine press printing, or elite Gilded Age association copies. [Store Loc. 2.4].…