Chiaroscuro
Boston: The Four Seas Company, 1924. First Edition, Association Copy, signed and inscribed by the author to his fellow members of the Mercantile Library of Philadelphia, 1924. Octavo, 135 pages, publisher's original brown paper covered boards with label to top board and spine. Benjamin Francis Musser’s Chiaroscuro is an early collection of poetry by the Philadelphia-born American poet and writer, published in Boston by The Four Seas Company in 1924. The volume reflects Musser’s engagement with religion, love, literary culture, symbolism, and the spiritual and emotional contrasts suggested by its title. This copy is especially notable as a presentation and association copy, signed and inscribed by Musser in the year of publication: “To my fellow members of the Mercantile. Benjamin Musser. 25 April 1924.” The inscription was made to the Mercantile Library Company of Philadelphia, of which Musser was himself a member, giving the volume a direct connection to his literary and cultural life in Philadelphia. The surviving Mercantile Library markings further document this institutional provenance. An appealing association copy of an uncommon early work by Musser, combining American poetry, Philadelphia literary history, and authorial provenance. Some of the typical library markings, rubbing and wear along corners and edges, chip to spine label, some discoloration, else in good + condition. Item #543
Price: $100.00