THE LIFE AND WORKS OF PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR

J.L. Nichols & Company, 1907. WIGGINS, Lida Keck. THE LIFE AND WORKS OF PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR. Introduction By William Dean Howells. Naperville, Ill.: J.L. Nichols & Company, [1907]. Thick 8vo., decorative cranberry-colored cloth, stamped in black & white with a portrait of Dunbar in the center of the front cover; 430 pages. First Edition. Illustrated with more than 50 photographs and half-tone engravings. This book was sold by subscription and salesman's dummies sometimes come on the market. Thus, the book has various publishers. The Nichols Company also published Wiggins' other two subsequent books. Signed inscription from Wiggins on a front blank page: "With cordial good wishes of the author, Lida Keck Wiggins. April 25, 1907." Also signed "Homer G. Curless, Apr. 25, 1907, Springfield." on the title page and tiny ink initials on the same page. Curless graduated from the Boston University School of Theology in 1897 and eventually became a minister in the Springfield, Ohio area. A scarce book to begin with, especially in decent condition, but almost impossible to find one signed by Wiggins. Very Good (some rubbing spine & edges; crack along portion of exterior front hinge neatly repaired; contents clean & tight). $450.00.