THE BICYCLERS : And Three Other Farces

New York: Harper & Brothers, 1896. Very good.. Inscribed first edition - presented to American publisher Robert Howard Russell, who issued a number of Bangs's children's books from 1891 to 1902. Founded in 1888, publisher R.H. Russell specialized in children's and illustrated books; Bangs published illustrated children's books with them, alongside such authors and illustrators as L. Frank Baum (A NEW WONDERLAND) and Maxfield Parrish (KNICKERBOCKER'S HISTORY OF NEW YORK). Among Bangs's publications with Russell were TIDDLEYWINK TALES (1891), IN CAMP WITH A TIN SOLDIER (1892), THE MANTEL-PIECE MINSTRELS (1896), and EMBLEMLAND (1902). In 1903 Russell was acquired by Bangs's own main publisher, Harper and Brothers. A terrific association copy. 7'' x 4.25''. Original blue pictorial cloth stamped in white and gilt. Uncut and partially unopened. Illustrated in black and white, both full page and vignette. Publisher's ads at rear. 176, [6] pages. Inscribed by Banks in ink on front free endpaper: "To Robert Howard Russell / with affectionate regards / John Kendrick Bangs / May 16: 1896"; early bookseller ticket to rear pastedown. Spine toned, with light edgewear; frontispiece starting at top edge, but still attached. Firm hinges.