EMERSON, RALPH WALDO | Representative Men: Seven Lectures. Boston: Philips, Sampson and Company, 1850

The Property of a Gentleman

EMERSON, RALPH WALDO

Representative Men: Seven Lectures. Boston: Philips, Sampson and Company, 1850

8vo. Half-title; minor toning. Original dark brown cloth, covers decoratively ruled and stamped in blind, spine gilt-lettered, inscribed by Emerson on the front free endpaper; slight rubbing to corners, head of spine chipped, nick to foot of spine.

First edition, first printing, presentation copy, inscribed: "J.M. Cheney | with the respects of | R.W. Emerson | December 1849"

Through six essays, Representative Men explores the role of great men in society. It has been suggested that Emerson's essay on Shakespeare, which appeared for the first time in this collection, inspired Henry Folger to begin collecting the Bard's works.  

Within Emerson's body of work, presentation copies of Representative Men are particularly rare. 

REFERENCE:

BAL 5219; Myerson A22.1.a.

PROVENANCE:

John M. Cheney (presentation inscription to front free endpaper)