EMERSON, RALPH WALDO | The Conduct of Life. Boston: Ticknor & Fields, 1860

The Property of a Gentleman

EMERSON, RALPH WALDO

The Conduct of Life. Boston: Ticknor & Fields, 1860 

8vo. Inscribed by Emerson on the half-title, publisher's advertisement at end; a few stray spots. Original full brown cloth, covers elaborately ruled and stamped in blind, spine gilt lettered, brown coated endpapers; small nick to head of spine. Black watered silk slipcase.

First edition, first printing, presentation copy, inscribed: "J.M. Cheney — | from the author. | Dec. 7, 1860"

In The Conduct of Life, Emerson set out to answer a rather central and ambitious question: "How shall I live?" One of conclusions Emerson arrives at is that "[a] little integrity is better than any career." 

REFERENCE:

BAL 5231; Myerson A26.1.a