first edition
1863 · Boston
by [Hale, Edward Everett]
Boston: Ticknor And Fields, 1863. First Edition. First Printing Very good in original, printed, thin paper wraps over an adhesive and stab sewn binding. A small quarto of 9 3/4 by 6 3/8 inches with the front cover secured with older adhesive tape to the spine and rear cover. The front cover is missing a diagonal chip from the upper fore corner, it is slightly worn at its lower edge with several short closed tears and there is a early gift inscription in ink at its upper edge. The rear cover is missing a 1 1/2 inch chip from its upper fore corner and has a number of small chips and a 3/4 closed tear to its fore edge. The contents are in very clean condition with no signs of damage, tanning or foxing. This is the first appearance of the title with no attribution given to the author, Edward Everett Hale. This first printing is contained in Ticknor and Fields' magazine: The Atlantic Monthly, Devoted to Literature, Art and Politics, dated December, 1863 being issue number 74 of Volume XII. It contains pages 665 to 796 followed by an index of two pages for Volume XII. It is only in this index that attribution is given to Hale for this title. In 1865 Ticknor and Fields published this title as a separate, free standing volume of 23 pages, again without attribution to the author. Other contributors in this issue are by Louis Argazzi, Francis Wayland, Jr., H. T. Tuckerman and others. This copy is contained within a fine, tri-fold, dark green cloth covered chemise which is then contained within a matching dark green slip case with a black leather with gilt text title block fixed to the closed end of the slip case. It is a short story of treason, exile and restored patriotism. Although written during the Civil War to harness support for the Union cause it remains a classic of American literature. A highly collectible copy in an exceedingly handsome presentation. (Inventory #: TB30135)