THE MONK AND THE HANGMAN'S DAUGHTER

1892. Illustrated by Theodor Hampe. Chicago: F.J. Schulte & Company, 1892. 2 pp undated ads. Original mottled light brown cloth stamped in black.

First Edition of this tale involving an illicit relationship between a monk Ambrosius and a local girl Benedicta who is shunned because she is, yes, the hangman's daughter. Per an introductory note, the tale was purportedly derived from an old German manuscript "obtained from a peasant" by the German novelist Richard Voss (1851-1918), and here adapted by Bierce and Danziger. Tipped onto the front endpaper of this copy is an 8 Dec 1892 article from The Independent, in which the "adapters" are taken to task for claiming authorship on the title and dedication pages; also, it is claimed that they added part of the final paragraph, altering Voss's ending. The original owner "E.I.S." (whose Greek bookplate is affixed) wrote a note on the final page, regarding this altered ending -- ending with "sheer impudence!". (In later editions dated 1907 and 1926 respectively, Bierce and Danziger each gave his version of the "translation.") Printed in black and red throughout, this is a copy bound in cloth (originally priced at $1.25); there were also copies in wrappers priced at 50¢. It is a remarkably fine copy, essentially without wear or soil. Blanck 1112.