Signed book: Neighborly Poems by Benj. F. Johnson, of Boone (James Whitcomb Riley). Indianapolis, Indiana: The Bowen-Merrill Company, 1891. Hardcover, 5 x 7.5, 90 pages. Signed on the second free end page “To Noble C. Butler, Esq, Very truly your friend, James Whitcomb Riley, Indpls, Ind,. Dec. 1891” and adding a stanza “Fact is—far as I can see—The Good Bein’ makin’ me, ‘Ll make me what I art to be. Ever thine, Benj. F. Johnson.” In fine condition, with partial separation of the first free end page along the hinge, some toning to the edges, and scattered soiling to the boards. Accompanied by two news articles from March 1966. According to the articles, the book was one of five publications found in the stacks of Shortridge High School in Indiana that carried Riley’s signature and notation; Benjamin F. Johnson was an early pen name used by Riley. RRAuction COA.
