$4,880
Cleveland: J. P. Jewett, 1852. 2 vols. 8vo, bound by Riviere in modern black morocco, spines lettered and decorated in gilt, original covers and spines bound in at end. First edition, first printing of Stowe's anti-slavery novel. Some minor spotting to a few pages; otherwise fine. [Tipped in vol. 1:] Autographed letter signed ("H. B. Stowe"), 4 pages, Paris, December 2, n.y. [c. 1866]. Stowe thanks [William Hickley] Prescott for his praises of her recent work and discusses the character of Nina Gordon, from Stowe writes: "It is a weakness that attends us makers of puppet shows that we sometimes conceive a real human affection for some of our corps de ballet as Pygmalion for his statue. I had such a weakness for my little Nina ... In fact I have such a motherly weakness for the poor child that whoever speaks well of her becomes henceforth a discerning person in my eyes . . ." Nina Gordan is the young white plantation heiress of Stowe's second anti-slavery novel, originally pbulished in 1856 and reissued in 1866 under the name of the title character. [Also tipped in vol. 1:] Albumen portrait of Stowe signed on the mount ("Harriet Beecher Stowe").
Auctioneer:
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Date:
2010-08-12
