Li'l Gal by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Dodd Mead & Co; First Edition 1904 on sale ~ Christmas gift for the poetry lover

Li'l Gal by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Dodd Mead & Co; First Edition 1904

123 pp.. First Edition.
Illus. by Leigh Richmond Miner

Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in 1872 in Dayton, where he was a classmate of Orville Wright. He wrote for Dayton community newspapers, published an African-American newsletter, and worked as an elevator operator while writing poetry. His work gained notice among literary figures including Indiana poet James Whitcomb Riley and Ohio-born novelist and Atlantic Monthly editor William Dean Howells. Dunbar eventually achieved international fame. Although he is best known for his poetry, he also wrote short stories, novels, plays, and songs. He died in Dayton in 1906.

This edition of Li'l' Gal was published by Dodd, Mead and Co. in 1904. Authentic-feeling Southern dialect of an earlier day still paints a picture for me. Authentic photos by Miner.

The cover and highly decorated interior pages were created by Margaret Armstrong; you can see her initials at the base of the bouquet. Armstrong was one of several prominent women designers working in publishing during the late 1800s and early 1900s. She specialized in nature-inspired themes and worked on several of Dunbar's books.

Green on sale cloth cover and spine decorated in florals on boards. Excellent with little wear. Tear to surface frontis, see photo. Otherwise very nice. Deckled edged pages.

Please see photos and email with any questions prior to purchase. Thanks for looking.