BIERCE, AMBROSE | Three First Editions

The Property of a Gentleman

BIERCE, AMBROSE

Three First Editions

In the Midst of Life: Tales of Soldiers and Civilians. New York: Putnam’s Sons, 1898. 8vo (4 1/8 x 6 5/8 in.; 105 x 168 mm). Publisher's advertisements at end. Original red cloth covered boards, upper cover and spine gilt lettered; corners just rubbed. First expanded edition. BAL 1119 — Fantastic Fables. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1899. 8vo (4 1/8 x 6 5/8 in.; 105 x 170 mm). Inscribed by the author on the recto of the printer's imprint, publisher's advertisements to end. Original tan cloth covered boards, upper cover and spine pictorially stamped in blue, red, black, and gilt; minor toning minor rubbing to extremities, spine sunned. In custom quarter aqua linen over marbled board clamshell case. First edition, presentation copy, inscribed by Bierce to noted feminist Florence Finch Kelly “With friendly regards of the Author. W’rights, SF Cal. March 30, 1899.” BAL 1120 — The Cynic’s Word Book. New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1906. 8vo (5 1/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 132 x 198 mm). Half-title; minor toning. Original green ribbed cloth, upper cover and spine decoratively stamped in orange and black; minor rubbing to extremities. First edition. BAL 1124

Group lots not subject to return.

Together a group of fine first editions, including a presentation copy inscribed to Florence Finch Kelly

Kelly, an early feminist and journalist, published two pseudonymous novels and a memoir of her 56-year career as a reporter, Flowing Stream (1939). In Flowing Stream, Kelly noted that Bierce “was at his brilliant best, a best that has been rarely equalled by anyone else, in such work as his ‘Fables,’ his ‘Devil’s Dictionary,’ and the thousands of epigrams and flashes of caustic wit scattered all through his writings of every kind." The “W’rights” mentioned in the inscription may refer to a Women’s Rights event held in San Francisco in 1899.

REFERENCES

Kelly, Flowing Stream, 254