The Tents of Trouble (Ballads of the Wanderbund, and Other Verse) -- inscribed to Harry Stevens, inventor of the hotdog
New York: Desmond FitzGerald, 1911. First edition. Hardcover. Inscribed by the author on the fly leaf to Harry Stevens, dated 1912. First Edition of the author's first book, published in 1911 when he was 31 years old. Hardcover, small 8vo., original brown cloth over flexible boards. Very Good. Light soiling along the edges of the boards; small section on the spine and rear board has been neatly repaired. Sound binding. Clean, bright contents. Runyon's first book, a poetry collection, published two decades before he would gain fame with 'Guys and Dolls.' The recipient, Harry Stevens, was known as the greatest ballpark concessionaire of his time, and likely inventor of the hot dog. He was a known associate, if not friend, of Runyon, and there are recorded photos of them together in 1910 and 1912. A lovely association copy. Very Good / no jacket. Item #0085957
Price: $1,200.00