San Francisco and New York: Western Authors Publishing Company, 1892. First Edition. Hardcover. A volume of satirical verses and sketches collected from Bierce’'s journalism. A reviewer for the Californian Illustrated Magazine observed that the "black beetles are prominent citizens of California - public men, lawyers, judges, journalists, social leaders, and clubmen - whom Mr. Bierce has first impaled on the needle of satire and then embalmed in the amber of his poetic fancy. This he has done as a whole cleverly, sometimes very excellently. He has his own ideas as to the propriety of his work, and frankly says that he makes no apologies either for its production or preservation." Frontispiece portrait by J.H.E. Parlington. Octavo. Original gray cloth binding, with beveled edges, blind-stamped borders, gilt titles, and decorative endpapers. Small period bookseller's label to the rear pastedown. The spine is a touch sun faded, with some minor wear to the corners and tips; otherwise very good. BAL 1111. Very Good. Item #68388

Price: $150.00