The Black Riders and Other Lines is a book of poetry written by American author Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane was an American novelist, short story writer, poet and journalist. Prolific throughout his short life, he wrote notable works in the Realist tradition as well as early examples of American Naturalism and Impressionism...

 (1871–1900). First published in 1895 by Copeland and Day, it was Crane's second published volume, following Maggie: A Girl of the Streets

Maggie: A Girl of the Streets

Maggie: A Girl of the Streets is an 1893 novel by American author Stephen Crane. Often called a novella because of its short length, it was Crane's first published book of fiction. Because the work was considered too risqué by publishers, Crane, who was 21 years old at the time, had to finance...

(1893) and predating The Red Badge of Courage

The Red Badge of Courage

The Red Badge of Courage is a war novel by American author Stephen Crane . Taking place during the American Civil War, the story is about a young private of the Union Army, Henry Fleming, who flees from the field of battle. Overcome with shame, he longs for a wound—a "red badge of courage"—to...

(1895). Its first printing was a limited run of 500 copies, with a few issued in vellum

Vellum

Vellum is mammal skin prepared for writing or printing on, to produce single pages, scrolls, codices or books. It is generally smooth and durable, although there are great variations depending on preparation, the quality of the skin and the type of animal used...

, and contained fifty-six short poems written in Crane's sparse, unconventional style. The untitled "lines", as Crane referred to them, were differentiated by roman numerals and written entirely in small capitals.