American author and journalist (1871–1900) best known for his novels Maggie: A Girl of the Streets and The Red Badge of Courage. Rare signed book: The Lanthorn Book: Being a Small Collection of Tales and Verses read at The Sign o’ the Lanthorn, 126 William Street, New York. First edition, limited issue, numbered 120/125. NY, 1898. Hardcover, 8.5 x 11.5, 54 pages. Signed in ink by Stephen Crane at the conclusion of his short story, 'The Wise Men.; Also signed by authors John Langdon Heaton, Irving Bacheller, Post Wheeler, Charles Gaines, and Charles Lewis, after their respective contributions. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG-/None, with the front joint split as usual, with first free end page detached but present. Housed in a handsome custom-made cloth slipcase with chemise.
The only signed and limited edition of any Stephen Crane book, this scarce and desirable gift was the only such piece published by the Lanthorn Club. Founded in 1893, the club consisted of young journalists and aspiring writers who would gather for lunch and a Saturday evening banquet—the latter event requiring one member to read an original short story and then open himself to criticism. The highest compliment to be paid, it was said, was utter silence. Crane’s story is the first of seven pieces and occupies more than half the space in this volume.
According to rare book collector Vincent Starrett (1886-1974), it was the intention of the Club to have each contributor sign his piece 'but it is asserted that only between ten and fifteen copies' were signed by Crane. Subsequent study has shown that Crane signed at least twenty copies; while the exact census number is not known, this signed volume remains a true rarity.
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