This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[CRANE, Stephen (1871-1900), BACHELLER, Irving (1859-1950), et al., contributors]. The Lanthorn Book. Being a Small Collection of Tales and Verses Read at The Sign o’ the Lanthorn. New York: 126 William Street, New York (1898). 4to. Illustrated. Unpaginated. Original green cloth, paper label on cover, rebacked in brown morocco (scuffing to the front and back covers; paper label soiled; front endpaper slightly wrinkled; some foxing to a few of the preliminary pages, leaves uncut in the French style). Fine. FIRST EDITION. #52/125 NUMBERED COPIES. SIGNED BY STEPHEN CRANE AFTER HIS STORY, THE WISE MEN. Also signed by 5 of the 6 other contributors: John Langdon Heaton, Irving Bacheller, Post Wheeler, Charles Gaines and Charles Lewis. Cranes story is the first of 7 pieces and it occupies more than half the volume. It was once believed that he signed only 10 to 15 copies, but that number now seems low. It is safe to say he did not sign all copies and the number he did sign is in question. Crane died at age 28, and his signature is exceedingly rare. Scarce.