Traven, B. (as Ret Marut). DER BLAUGETUPFTE SPERLING (The Blue-Speckled Sparrow).

Munich: Der Ziegelbrenner, 1919. First edition. 16mo. The author, then known as Ret Marut, established the anarchist periodical, Der Ziegelbrenner (The Brick-Burner) in 1917 that, for the next three years, would vigorously protest the punitive terms Germany suffered under the Treaty of Versailles. It was at this time that the author composed his first fiction.

"Der Blaugetupfte Sperling" is a collection of nine stories that elucidate its author's political philosophy -- one that he notably toned down in later novels like "The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre" and "The Death Ship." We have known of but one other copy of this title through the years.

Contemporary ownership signature, dated December 1919. The fragile wrappers show some use but, in the case of this rarity, constitute a pardonable circumstance. Housed in a custom-made quarter-leather clamshell box and matching chemise. Decorated wrappers.