Sauk City, Arkham House, (1939). A posthumous collection of 36 stories and one essay published two years after Lovecraft's death by August Derleth and Donald Wandrei, who founded Arkham House for the purpose of publishing Lovecraft. This was the first book published by the press, which went on to become the preeminent American publisher of horror, "weird fiction," and dark fantasy. Published in an edition of 1268 copies, this is widely considered the most important book published by the press, and it collects all of the author's stories that the editors could find -- only two of which, "The Shunned House" and "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," had been published in book form before -- as well as his seminal essay "Supernatural Horror in Literature." A large, heavy book with an unlaminated dust jacket illustrated by Virgil Finaly, this title is hard to fine in nice condition. This copy belonged to the San Francisco journalist Stuart Morton Boland, fan, promoter, and friend to the "scifi" luminaries of the era, including Clark Ashton Smith, one of Lovecraft's closest friends during his short life. Boland's 1944 ownership signature and illustrations grace the front flyleaf. A bit of staining to the flyleaf, but this is a near fine or better copy in a very near fine dust jacket with just a touch of wear to the spine crown. [#034886] SOLD