Kent, Rockwell--Melville, Hermann

3 volumes, 4to, limited to 1000 copies, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE ARTIST ("Inscribed to Miss Effie Branch by Rockwell Kent. 1930"), 280 wood-engraved illustrations by Rockwell Kent, original black cloth tooled in silver, top edge black, original aluminium slipcase, spine slightly faded and bumped, slipcase slightly scuffed and marked

From the collection of Effie Branch, a member of the Branch family of Richmond, Virginia to which James Branch Cabell was related. The family home is now the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design.

Condition is described in the 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."

One of the greatest of American 20th century illustrated books and uncommon in the original aluminium slipcase. Rockwell Kent was approached by the publishers R.R. Donnelly to illustrate an edition of Richard Henry Dana's Two Years before the Mast, however he suggested Moby Dick instead. The edition was an immediate success and helped ensure the book's status as an American classic.