- 115
Melville, Herman.
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- White Jacket; or, the World in a Man-of-War. London: Richard Bentley 1850
- printed book
12mo (202 x 124mm.), 2 volumes, first American edition, publisher's blue cloth, spines gilt stamped, covers blindstamped with nautical motifs, yellow endpapers printed with publisher's advertisements, blue half morocco gilt slipcase with two matching chemises, occasional light foxing, title-page of first volume carelessly opened, some wear, rubbing, and soiling to bindings, pastedowns with residue where pasted labels removed
Literature
BAL 13661; Davis and Gilman 92; Sadleir, Excursions 227
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Printed in an edition of 1000 copies and preceding the American edition by two months. In addition to using various outside sources of information, Melville drew heavily on his experiences on the U.S. Frigate The United States in 1843 and 1844 to write White Jacket. In July 1848, Lemuel Shaw introduced Melville to Richard Henry Dana, Jr. In a letter of 6 October 1849 to Dana, prompted either by worry over negative reaction to the aggressiveness of White Jacket or by a feeling that the book needed extra attention, Melville sought Dana's help: "If you should possibly think, that from your peculiar experiences in sea-life, you would be able to say a word to the purpose - may I hope that you will do so... Your name would do a very great deal..." (Davis and Gilman).