A BLACK ADONIS. New York: G. W. Dillingham, Publisher, Successor to G. W. Carleton & Co., 1895. Octavo, pp. [i-iv] v-viii 9-318 [319-320: ads], original tan wrappers printed in red and black. First edition. At head of title: "Dillingham's American Authors Library, No. 4. / July 1895 ..." Issued in the paper wrapper of Dillingham's "Albatross Novels" series (which appears to have been devoted solely to publication of Ross' works); this title noted in the publisher's list of books in this series on page [ii] as "new." The novel was reprinted in 1972 by Books for Libraries Press as part of their Black Heritage Library Collection. Linn Boyd Porter (1851-1916) was a best-selling author of his day, "the most typical purveyor of literature to the masses now living in this country," according to the New York Evening Post. Following his debut novel THOU SHALT NOT (1889), Porter published at least twenty-two novels, most of which appeared in the 1890's. Among his most popular works was SPEAKING OF ELLEN ... (1890), a reform novel inspired by Bellamy's LOOKING BACKWARD, 2000-1887. All of Porter's novels are scarce. Wright was unable to locate a copy of this book; his information is based on the entry in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY. Several creases, wrinkles and short closed tears to front and rear covers, wear along spine folds, printed on wood pulp paper which is tanned, a good copy with supple text block. The first printing of this book is uncommon, copies of this paperbound issue are rare. (#165909).
Price: $150.00
No statement of printing on copyright page.