“DEATH IS DEAD! THERE IS ONLY LAUGHTER!”

O'NEILL, Eugene. Lazarus Laughed. New York: Boni & Liveright, 1927. Octavo, original half vellum, patterned boards, printed paper spine label, uncut and unopened, original acetate dust jacket. $900.

Signed limited first edition, number 126 of 775 copies signed by O’Neill.

"Lazarus Laughed is first of all the exposition of a philosophy of life and death… a hymn to life, a cry of triumph shouted in the faces of those Christians who look upon life as a vale of tears, the petty egoists who claim an everlasting happiness in heaven because they lack the courage to be happy on earth… Into the mouth of Lazarus, who carries in his breast a Will to Live not for his own sake but for the sake of all men, [O'Neill] has put words that express completely the essence of this positive and optimistic philosophy: 'Believe!… For Man death is not! Man, Son of God's Laughter, is!" (Clark, 184-85). Most likely published simultaneously with the first trade edition. "This volume was printed from the same plates as the trade edition… The front matter varies only insofar as page [2], instead of being blank now contains the certificate of issue and this title page is more elaborate," printed in purple ink (Sanborn & Clark 64). Without original slipcase. Atkinson A29-I-I.b. Hammerman 33.

Spine with expected very light toning. A fine copy.