The Serpent in the Wilderness

Edgar Lee Masters

Edité par Sheldon Dick, 1933

A propos de cet article

This particular copy of Edgar Lee Masters' "The Serpent in the Wilderness," while interesting in its own sake, has an added dimension of interest with the inclusion of two letters from Sheldon Dick to William Kittredge, to whom this copy of the work was given, and whose bookplate is present on the front pastedown.  This particular volume is thus a fascinating artefact of twentieth century American literature and publishing. Published as part of a limited run of 400 signed copies, this is #136 and bears the signature of its author, Edgar Lee Masters. It also appears to have been a publisher's presentation copy, as it included a prospectus introducing the work with a brief excerpt. Edgar Lee Masters was a lawyer, including working under Clarence Darrow for a time, in addition to publishing poetry, biographies, and plays.  He was best known as a poet for his collection of poems about his Illinois childhood which were collected under the title Spoon River Anthology and published in 1915. Masters would go on to win a number of American literary awards, including the Mark Twain Silver Medal, the Society of America medal, the Academy of American Poets Fellowship, and the Shelly Memorial Award.  He was also inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. As noted, the bookplate of William Kittredge appears on the front pastedown and the publisher, Sheldon Dick, appears to have sent the book to Kittredge.  Two letters from Dick, discussing an unnamed work the publication of which he says Kittredge is overseeing are included with the book. Kittredge (1932-2020) was a noted American essayist, particularly writing about life in the American West.  He published in The Atlantic, Harper's, Esquire, Time, Newsweek, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. Sheldon Dick (1906-1950) turned his hand to a number of creative endeavours, including as a photographer, filmmaker, literary agent, and publisher.  "The Serpent in the Wilderness" was the only book published by his imprint and, as he notes in one of the letters to Kittredge included with this volume, it did not sell particularly well, but he hoped it would have some value someday given its limited run.  Dick died under mysterious circumstances in 1950. This book is in good condition.  There is some wear to the fabric covering the boards, particularly at the corners, where the fabric has worn away completely and there is some bumping.  There is also some minor discolouration to the fabric.  Internally, the book is entirely sound and tightly bound.  There are a couple of small holes on the front fly leaf where the prospectus was likely stapled, as it shares the same two small holes.  There are also some light pencil notes on the front fly leaf from a previous seller.  One letter is taped to the back pastedown while another is loose. This copy is also missing the slipcover that it originally would have had. A fascinating primary source document reflecting the work of more than one great American author and artist, and representing a unique moment in American publishing history.           .

N° de réf. du vendeur 285

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: The Serpent in the Wilderness
• Éditeur: Sheldon Dick
• Date de parution: 1933
• Reliure: Hardcover
• État de l'article: Good