Sunday, June 08, 2008

Barlow's Handset Copy of Cats of Ulthar



Lovecraft, H[oward] P[hillips]. THE CATS OF ULTHAR. [Cassia, Florida: The Dragon-Fly Press], Christmas 1935.


Small octavo, pp. [1-2] 1-10 [11-14: blank] [note: last two leaves are blanks], title page printed in red and black, original unprinted green wrappers, sewn. First edition. 42 copies printed, two on Red Lion Text, the others on ordinary paper, this being one of the latter.


A highly important presentation copy with a signed inscription by Lovecraft to Samuel Loveman on the front free endpaper: "To Sam.l E. Loveman, Esq., / A 'Rare First Edition' with ye / Perpetrator's Compliments -- / H. P. Lovecraft / -- MDCCCCXXXVI"


"This is the legendary pamphlet issued by Barlow as a Christmas present for Lovecraft... The text was handset by Barlow; the pamphlet was probably not sold but given to Lovecraft's associates." - Joshi I-A-8-a.1. Currey, p. 321. The very fragile paper cover has two small chips from the fore-edge of the front cover, one at center, the other at lower corner, and a smaller chip from upper left corner of rear cover, 45 mm closed split to lower spine fold, the recto of title leaf and verso of last leaf are just a bit tanned (interaction with cover stock which is basically cheap construction paper). A superior copy of this book with distinguished provenance Rare. (#108200)
Price: $27,500.00

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