Bartleby the Scrivener, A Story of Wall Street, 1853

Indulgence Press, 1995. Hardcover. Fine. Hardcover. Number 9 of 100 copies signed and numbered by Wilber (“Chip”) Schilling. There were also 26 deluxe opies lettered A-Z. This scarce book was the first letterpress book issued by The Indulgence Press. This strange tale was first published anonymously by Melville in Putnam’s Magazine. It tells of the mysterious and wraithlike Bartleby who was hired by a Wall Street lawyer as a copyist. He refuses to interact with others or to do any task but copying. After a series of events, he ultimately dies in prison. Some think that the story reflected Melville’s frustrations with getting his work published. Three-quarter red cloth backed textured gray paper. Pristine interior with bright text. Beautifully printed in Bulmer type on Arches MBM mouldmade paper. Features a kallitype print by noted calligrapher Suzanne Moore. In fine condition. Measures 6 x 12.5 inches. 40 pages. PRI/100424. (Inventory #: 37534)