September 2016 Auction Ends Thursday, September 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2016
Extraordinarily rare copy of ''The Shunned House'' by H.P. Lovecraft, which was to be his first published novel in 1928, but wouldn't be published until 1961. In 1928, the sheets were printed by W. Paul Cook for The Recluse Press, but were not actually printed, as Lovecraft was just a fledgling pulp magazine contributor at the time. Thirty-three years later in 1961, Arkham House published the sheets under its imprint in black boards with gilt titling on spine, of which this is a copy, with the required ''Canterbury Laid'' watermark present. Title page shows Athol, MA: The Recluse Press, 1928, as called for. This copy is the second Arkham House printing with copyright cancel label on verso of title page, listing titles of magazines and books in italics and reading ''Though the sheets of this story were printed and marked for copyright in 1928, the story was neither bound nor circulated at that time...'' Measures 5.25'' x 7.5''. In near fine condition with modest bumping to corners, rubbing to spine and faint one-inch stain at head of front hinge, just barely affecting a few of the leaves following. Overall in exceptionally well-preserved condition. This volume constitutes the rarest in the Arkham House canon and the most collectible.
H.P. Lovecraft Printing of ''The Shunned House'' From 1928 -- One of Only 100 Printed Copies Subsequently Printed by Arkham House, With ''Canterbury'' Watermark -- Scarce
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