Hawthorne, Nathaniel

8vo (190 x 115mm.), first edition, original purple muslin-backed boards, with initial blank, protective chemise and brown morocco pull-off box, some gatherings crudely opened, spotting and staining to text, recased, spine repaired (lacking label), some wear and staining to boards with further repairs

apparently the Frank J. Hogan copy, sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, January 1945 [description loosely inserted, noting "the leather bookplate has been removed"]; subsequently sold by the New York bookseller Henry Clapp Smith, with his typed letter signed to Stanley Seeger loosely inserted

BAL 7570; Clark A1.1

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

The rare first edition of the author's first book, in the publisher's binding. Fanshawe was published anonymously by Hawthorne soon after his graduation from Bowdoin College and was almost immediately suppressed; its scarcity is chiefly explained, however by the destruction in a warehouse fire of the publisher's inventory (see Clark).