New York: Doxey's at the Sign of the Lark, N.d. [1901]

Small 8vo, pp. 131. Original pictorial boards, lettered in sun yellow to front panel and spine. Top edge gilt, leading and lower edges uncut. Ownership signature to front pastedown, very faint stain to front board, spine a little faded. Hinges starting. Typed biography of the author tipped in at front free endpaper.

First edition. No. 555 of 600 copies. Author's only book. Printed dedication to Charles Baudelaire.

One of a very small band of American 1890s Decadents, dedicated drug abuser David Park Barnitz [1878-1901] died of a heart attack at the age of twenty-three. This was his only book, and was published anonymously by the San Francisco bookseller William Doxey. Published sources tell us he was a graduate of Harvard, an orientalist, and a classmate of the poet Wallace Stevens. A more personal profile is provided by the short typewritten biography tipped in to this copy. (Personal, but not necessarily reliable: the birth and death dates given are a year out.):

'Son of Dutch Reform clergyman, of Kansas. Went to various schools in the state, and, after several expulsions, went to Boulder and, at the University there found for the first time great stimulation. Later he attended Harvard Graduate School. Had a remarkable knowledge of the art history of the world, and of musical history and of all literatures. Snapped up all the languages, and knew much of the philosophies. Was a favorite pupil of Barratt Wendell and of William James. Was at Harvards 1898-99. Returned then to Kansas.

Was addicted to all drugs, and had a background of extraordinary experiences. Held the curious pose of an aristocratic man of the world, combined with all his bizarre and degenerate predelictions and desires.

Was six feet six inches tall and extremely thin -- weighed only one hundred and fifteen pounds. Delighted to wear evening clothes and high hat without an overcoat. Died at his Kansas home, a victim to drugs and resulting ill health. Except for the manuscript of "Chave", which may be published now, The Book of Jade is his only work.'