THE MAGIC MANTLE AND OTHER STORIES. New York: M. S. Greene & Company, [1903]. Octavo, pp. [1-6] [1] 2-333 [334-336: blank] [note: last leaf is a blank], inserted frontispiece with illustration by W. F. Lamb, original blue cloth, spine panel stamped in gold, t.e.g., other edges untrimmed. First edition. "Three short stories (two of which are supernatural, but negligible) plus the title story, which is a novella-length Arthurian fantasy, steeped in magic -- and quite good, as well as seemingly unfamiliar to Arthurian bibliographers. This novella has two parts, the first set in the sunset days of Arthur's court, the second centuries later. The second part is flaccid, but the first is a self-contained unit and a not unworthy addition to the Matter of Britain. As a bitter valedictory, Merlin accuses the court of immorality and, when attacked by Guinevere, conjures up his familiar sprite, Aglaion, to help him prove his claims. The sprite produces four magical objects (including the mantle of the title, a diaphanous gown) which will function beautifully in the hands of the virtuous but recoil from the impure. Only two people pass this test and are able to claim the trophies. But life goes on as usual at the court, and Merlin proceeds on to his own doom. The author gets the medieval diction and tone just right." - Robert Eldridge. Bleiler (1978), p. 108. Reginald 07750. Smith, American Fiction, 1900-1925 J-25. Mild rubbing to cloth at spine ends and corner tips, a clean, bright, very good copy. An uncommon book. (#136487).
Price: $250.00
No statement of printing.