James Whitcomb Riley \"An Old Sweetheart of Mine\" #42/400 Signed *RARE* For Sale

James Whitcomb Riley | Illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy | Bobbs‑Merrill, 1903
No. 42 of 400 copies issued

A scarce signed limited edition of James Whitcomb Riley’s An Old Sweetheart of Mine, published by Bobbs‑Merrill in 1903. This edition is one of only 400 copies, hand‑numbered, with this copy being No. 42. Riley’s nostalgic verse is paired with drawings from life by Howard Chandler Christy, one of America’s most celebrated illustrators of the early 20th century.

• Size: 11.75 x 9.5 inches
• Binding: Publisher’s decorative boards with gilt lettering and design
• Illustrations: All plates present, each with original tissue guard
• Tissue guards: Some creasing noted, but intact
• Cover: Edge and spine wear consistent with age
• Interior: Fine condition, clean pages, no markings

• Signed limited edition – only 400 copies produced
• Howard Chandler Christy illustrations – renowned for his “Christy Girl” and patriotic art
• A beautiful collaboration between America’s “Hoosier Poet” and one of the era’s leading illustrators

• Exterior: Wear to edges and spine, typical of age and handling
• Interior: Exceptionally well‑preserved, with bright pages and complete illustrations
• Provenance: Numbered copy, adding to its rarity and desirability

This edition represents the intersection of American poetry and Golden Age illustration, making it highly desirable for collectors of Riley, Christy, or fine press limited editions. Its low limitation number and overall fine internal condition elevate its value.