RILEY, James Whitcomb (1849-1916). "The Old Swimmin'-hole," and 'Leven More Poems by Benj. F. Johnson, Of Boone. Indianapolis: George C. Hitt, 1883.

Fine copies of both the first and second editions of Riley's first book: the famous "Hoosier dialect poems." The poems, of which the best-known is "When the Frost is on the Punkin," first appeared pseudonymously in the Indianapolis Journal. "These poems recalled his youth: he wrote about how his mother told him stories, about his excitement when his grandmother or the circus came to town, and about the pond where he used to swim" (Poetry Foundation). BAL 16525.

Two volumes, 12mo. Half titles. Titles printed in red. Second edition text set in red rules. Original buff wrappers printed in red (some very light soiling, tips just rubbed); housed together in modern chemise and quarter morocco slipcase.