Butler, Ellis Parker

December, 1905 — January 1906; both Chicago: Railway Appliances Company. Together two volumes, square 8vo. Illustrations by Crawford. Original pictorial wrappers; slipcased together in red half-morocco folding-case. First edition and Second Edition respectively, of the author's first book, Both inscribed by Butler on the inside front covers; in the first edition: "Ellis Parker Butler [with a sketch of a pig]" and the verses: "'Pigs is Pigs' in flushing  And 'Pigs is Pigs' in Cork, but 'Pigs ain't Pigs' in butchers shops  Because their pigs is pork." In the second edition, below his signature: "I cannot draw a perfect pig,  As you can plainly see,  But I should worry! Neither can  A perfect pig draw me [with a small sketch of a pig and a self-caricature]." Fine copies. — McClure, Phillips & Co., 1906 edition. Small 8vo, original pictorial tan cloth; folding case.  — A.L. Burt reprint in worn jacket.

John Fleming (Christie's, November 18, 1988, lot 62) — (Christie's New York, December 4, 2009, lot 8). acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through James Cummins

[With]: Typed letter signed ("Ellis Parker Butler") to George Barr McCutcheon, 25 April 1927. One page, 4to. Parker gives an account of his difficulty in finding the April 1906 McClure, Phillips & Co. "first edition," and offering to send McCutcheon the above "prior to First Edition" printings, tipped into first title.