A House-Boat on the Styx by John Kendrick Bangs, Hardcover, 1895, Illustrated

$40.00
About the Book:

This is the first volume in the “Associated Shades” series, a pioneering example of early fantasy-satire literature. Bangs imagines a literary afterlife where famous historical and mythological figures gather aboard a luxurious houseboat on the River Styx. The book is a blend of witty dialogue and philosophical humor featuring characters like Shakespeare, Socrates, and Napoleon.

With its imaginative premise and clever execution, it helped shape a niche genre later dubbed “Bangsian fantasy.” It remains one of Bangs’ most collectible titles.

Condition Notes:

• Bright illustrated cover with light shelf wear at corners and spine ends
• Some foxing on front endpapers
• Decorative bookplate and humorous poem insert from previous owner
• Clean interior pages, strong binding, light toning at page edges
About the Book:

This is the first volume in the “Associated Shades” series, a pioneering example of early fantasy-satire literature. Bangs imagines a literary afterlife where famous historical and mythological figures gather aboard a luxurious houseboat on the River Styx. The book is a blend of witty dialogue and philosophical humor featuring characters like Shakespeare, Socrates, and Napoleon.

With its imaginative premise and clever execution, it helped shape a niche genre later dubbed “Bangsian fantasy.” It remains one of Bangs’ most collectible titles.

Condition Notes:

• Bright illustrated cover with light shelf wear at corners and spine ends
• Some foxing on front endpapers
• Decorative bookplate and humorous poem insert from previous owner
• Clean interior pages, strong binding, light toning at page edges