"An Old Sweetheart of Mine", James Whitcomb Riley, Drawings by Howard Chandler Christy, decorations by Virginia Keep, published by Bowen Merrill Co, Indianapolis, 1902. First Edition, First State.

Points of 1st/1st:

"Bowen - Merrill Company" is imprinted on the bottom of the title page without year of printing
"Copyright, 1902, The Bowen - Merrill Company" is stated on the copyright
In 1903, the name of Bowen - Merrill Company was changed to Bobbs - Merrill Company. The first limited signed edition was issued in 1903. All later published copies have "Bobbs - Merrill" on the title page, and Bowen - Merrill copyright. Only the first state copies issued prior to the name change have "Bowen - Merrill Company" imprint on the title page.

Howard Chandler Christy (1873-1952) was an American artist and illustrator, famous for the "Christy Girl" - a colorful and illustrious successor to the "Gibson Girl" - who became the most popular portrait painter of the Jazz Age era.

James Whitcomb Riley (October 7, 1849 - July 22, 1916) was an American writer, poet, and best-selling author.
By the 1890s, Riley became a bestselling author. His children's poems were compiled into a book and illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. Titled "Rhymes of Childhood", the book was his most popular book. As a poet, Riley achieved an uncommon level of fame during his own lifetime. He was honored with annual Riley Day celebrations around the United States and was regularly called on to perform readings at national civic events. He continued to write and hold occasional poetry readings until a stroke paralyzed his right arm in 1910.
Riley's chief legacy was his influence in fostering the creation of a Midwestern cultural identity and his contributions to the Golden Age of Indiana Literature. With other writers of his era, he helped create a caricature of Midwesterners and formed a literary community that produced works rivaling the established eastern literati. There are many memorials dedicated to Riley, including the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children.

US: Priority (c 2-4 days) ------- $12.50
Canada: Priority (c. 2-6 weeks) - $27.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) --- $37.50

Hard boards, original publisher’s green cloth decorated in pink and gold [some fade], paper illustration by Christy is on the front board [a little wear]; pen-written name on the second endpaper; 6.1/2" x 9"; pink decorated endpapers, 19 full page illustrations by Christy [all listed plates are present]; and numerous pale-pink decorations by Virginia Keep. Some foxing, very good binding and condition. [aka]