THE POETICAL WORKS OF JONATHAN E. HOAG ... Biographical and Critical Preface by Howard P. Lovecraft.
New York: [Privately published], 1923. Octavo, pp. [1-6] [i-ii] iii-vii [viii] ix-x [xi-xii] 1-72 [73-78] [note: first three and last three leaves are blanks], inserted frontispiece with photographic portrait of Hoag, original blue cloth, front and spine panels stamped in gold, t.e.g. First edition. An associational copy bearing the bookplate of James F. Morton, Jr. who was a friend of Lovecraft's and member of the Kalem club in New York. This privately printed book was anonymously edited by Lovecraft, who contributed the preface and six poems. It is a presentation copy (as are most) with signed inscription by Hoag dated 27 August 1923 to James F. Morton, Jr., on recto of second blank. Jonathan Ethan Hoag (1831-1927), a New York poet living in and around Troy, entered amateur journalism late in life. Lovecraft wrote birthday poems for Hoag from 1918 to 1927. While editing Hoag's POETICAL WORKS, Lovecraft, along with Samuel Loveman and James F. Morton, revised some of Hoag's poetry. Morton also assisted in the publication in the reading of the final page proofs for the book. The book, privately printed at Hoag's expense in 1923, constituted the first appearance of a work by Lovecraft in hardcover. Lovecraft waived "all monetary remuneration for my share of the editing" in exchange for twenty copies of the book. Morton was one early on urged Lovecraft to submit stories to the new magazine Weird Tales. [Reference: Joshi I-D-i-2]. Bookplate of James F. Morton, Jr. affixed to front paste down. Extensive penciled notes to front free end paper concerning the volume and Morton, text block toned, corners bruised, gilt to spine perished, a very good copy. (30661). Item #30661
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