Macy-Masius, New York, 1927. cloth. First Edition.
299pp: a wonderful piece of early bohemian/modern publishing. sneaking a bit of risqu? literature past the censors wrapped in a "limited edition" and some literary criticism; today's equivalent would be a lawish piece on 1st Amendment rights, if there is anything still unpublishable today. Johns' preface sets the purpose: "The thesis of this book is that sophisticated writing, provided it is excellent writing, has a place in American literature." Follows poetry, playlets and other pieces by a group of authors, some not much-read today: George Sterlin, Clement Wood, John Cournos, Djuna Barnes, John Russell, Ethel Kelley, Dana Burnet, James Oppenheim, Ralcy Husted Bell, Nathan Asch, Louis Richard Thoma and Robert McAlmon. Always ready for a "radical cause," Rockwell Kent contributed the endpapers and a few decorations. This copy is in excellent condition, although the gilt lettering of the spine has faded away; a touch of edge wear. A LIMITED EDITION OF 3000 numbered copies. very good. No Jacket.

[Item #6709]