New York: The John Day Company, 1929. First U.S. Edition. Illustrated by Mahlan Blaine. Original cloth over boards. Octavo. viii, 342 pages.

Ewers' decadent tale of horror that blends science and the ancient mandrake myth. Born of a grotesque experiment, the enigmatic Alraune is a beautiful, soulless woman—sexually magnetic and morally void—created when Professor Jakob ten Brinken inseminates a prostitute with the seed of a hanged murderer.

Considered Ewers' masterpiece, the story explores themes of artificial creation, moral decay, and psychological manipulation and influenced later horror literature. Striking black and white illustrations by Mahlon Blaine.

Very good in a very good dust jacket. Bound black cloth over boards with red and gilt stamped spine and upper board, illustrated endpapers, and red topstain. Prior owner name on title page, initials on top edge of textblock. Light rubs and wear to extremities. Jacket has a few extremity chips, rubs, and shallow wear. Light toning to rear panel and spine.

Item #1929

Price: $750