BLACK BEETLES IN AMBER.
San Francisco | New York: Western Authors Publishing Company, 1892. Original blind-stamped light grey cloth, beveled.
First Edition of Bierce's first volume of verse, published the year after his most famous book, TALES OF SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS. There are about 150 short poems (which he terms "beetles"), mostly gleaned from appearances in newspapers. Bierce had seen action, including at Shiloh, in an Indiana Infantry Regiment; his anti-war sentiments, and fixation with death, are reflected in his writings.
In our experience this is a tough book to find in decent condition, due to its light grey cloth and frugal use of gilt. This is a nearly fine copy, however, with scarcely any wear and with only the slightest hint of soil (near the covers' fore-edge). Blanck 1111. Item #14569
Price: $395.00