[BEARDSLEY, Aubrey (1872-1998), illustrator]. MACHEN, Arthur (pseudonym of JONES, Arthur Llewellyn, 1863-1947). The Great God Pan and The Inmost Light. London: John Lane, 1894. 8vo. [6], [1]-168, [4, ads], [16, ads]. Publisher's original blue cloth stamped light blue and gilt with illustration by Aubrey Beardsley (repeated on title page). STELLAR FIRST EDITION OF MACHEN'S CONTROVERSIAL FIRST BOOK. 

The first chapter of what would become The Great God Pan was published in The Whirlwind newspaper in 1890; in 1894, the completed narrative was bound with "The Inmost Light" and published as part of John Lane's influential Keynote Series. Denounced upon release for its sexual content and violence, the volume injured Machen's reputation, branding him a degenerate, but has since been re-evaluated as a foundational work of horror, influencing Bram Stoker, Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, and Stephen King. The rare positive review at the time of release came from Oscar Wilde, who called it "un succès fou." The cover illustration, repeated on the title page, was created for the volume by Aubrey Beardsley. 

Light rubbing, edge wear to boards, corners bumped. Occasional minor spotting, some gutters starting. Catalogue pages uncut. Near fine, scarce in this condition.