[Hawthorne, Nathaniel.]

8vo (190 x 121mm.), first edition, publisher's quarter purple muslin, buff-coated paper label on spine, brown paper boards, red half morocco gilt slipcase with matching chemise, occasional very light foxing to text, endpapers foxed, spine faded, spine ends worn, label chipped, some soiling and spotting to boards

James T. Field, signature

BAL 7570; Clark A1.1

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."

Hawthorne's first book, this copy belonging to his future publisher, James T. Fields, with his signature on the front pastedown. Above his signature, is an inscription in another hand: "This book must not be lent, or carried out of the house". This same hand has inscribed Hawthorne's name in pencil on the title-page.

Rare: "Although Hawthorne later suppressed knowledge of the existence of Fanshawe, the scarcity of the work results primarily from destruction in a warehouse fire of the publisher's inventory" (Clark).