Robert W. Chambers - The King in Yellow - F. Tennyson Neely, 1895, Signed First Edition.

Chicago, F. Tennyson Neely, 1895. First Edition. First Impression. Hardback. A very good copy. An important book. A rare copy of the first issue, inscribed by the author. His most famous work, a collection of ten short stories. Blieler noted it as "one of the most important works of American supernatural fiction." "The Yellow Sign is widely acknowledged as one of the finest horror stories ever written." [Barron, Horror Literature, p97]. Notably influenced by Bierce and in turn influencing Lovecraft. An important link in the history of the genre. In Jones and Newman's 100 Best Horror Books. [Jones & Newman, pp65-67; Klein, Penguin Encyclopedia of Horror and the Supernatural, p74; Clute & Grant, p177]. The inscription reads: "This is the genuine first issue, first edition of The King in Yellow Robert W. Chambers Oct 28th 1918." The first issue is generally thought to be green cloth with the salamander, as is the present copy. 1pp Ads to rear. Boards a little toned and soiled, short tear to lower spine tip. Edges rolled. Scratch to upper board. Internally in excellent shape. [8221, Hyraxia Books].