STEPHENS, James.

Typescript draft of "Desire"

Item #85587

STEPHENS, James. Typescript draft of "Desire" with manuscript annotations in multiple hands. [Dublin?], 1917. "Desire," one of Stephens' short stories that he reportedly considered one of his best, was first published in The Dial (Chicago) in June 1920 and was included in his short story collection Etched in Moonlight (1928). See Bramsback 534, 320. The draft here, comprising 12 typewritten sheets, includes both pencil and ink annotations. The ink annotations are in Stephens' hand, while the pencil ones must have belonged to a secretary or typist. Stephens' signature appears on the final sheet above a dateline of 29 November 1917, which has been crossed out. The draft largely agrees with the version printed in the magazine but was evidently revised again for the book. The loose sheets are contained in an old folder from The Brick Row Book Shop of New York, and the whole in a custom chemise and slipcase. Expected toning, else very good.

Price: $3,250.00