Ballads of Books

New York: George J. Coombes, 1887. Brander Matthews (1852-1929) was a prominent academic who established Theatre as a legitimate subject of study. He was a prolific writer. Although his academic works are solid, his creative writing is undistinguished and largely unknown today. He was a friend to many of the greatest writers of the time. Here is an early volume of poetic bibliophilia he has selected, in an edition LIMITED to 100 copies, and SIGNED by the publisher, George Coombes, a bookseller who issued catalogues of the "old and curious." The half-title refers to a series called "Books for the Bibliophile;" Quercus speculates that this must have been a series, although this is the first we have seen. RARE. (LOC has several of his titles, as do Folger, Grolier, and NY Public; but this title is not among them.) This is a Very Good (Minus) copy. Paper-covered boards with a paper label on the spine. Clean text; 174 pages. Paper label is rubbed but still readable. This volume is tender; the front gutter has cracked, and with too much usage may separate. Please note the condition; Quercus must offer this as a binding copy, in need of some restoration or repair. In an archival plastic protector.. Signed by Author. Limited/Numbered.. Hard Cover. Very Good Minus/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.