APRIL TWILIGHTS.
Boston: Richard G. Badger, The Gorham Press, 1903. First edition of her first book; a "vanity press" production of thirty-six poems. Cather reportedly destroyed whatever remained of the edition in 1908. INSCRIBED, "Mr. J. W. Rankin / From an old friend / Willa Silbert Cather / New York / May Second / 1914." Cather moved to Pittsburgh in 1896 and taught at Central High School for one year. Rankin also taught there, and we assume that is where they formed their friendship. Recased with the original paper-covering laid down and with the original printed labels retained. Both labels are darkened, the front appears to have had the lettering touched up, and the spine label has been mounted upside-down (with the lettering running down instead of up) and slightly beneath its original location. Not ideal but quite scarce inscribed. HER SCARCE FIRST BOOK, INSCRIBED.
Item #54535
Price: $3,500.00