Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth

8vo (175 x 113mm.), FIRST EDITION, ONE OF THE DE-LUXE 'GILT EXTRA' COPIES, with the first printing points listed by BAL ("one" on p.279 present but with "n" printed slightly imperfectly), without the publisher's advertisements present in some copies, VARIANT BINDING in blue cloth, all edges gilt, covers ruled and decorated in blind, central arabesque designs in gilt on covers, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, all edges gilt, collector's matching protective case within red cloth case and quarter red morocco slipcase, some slight wear at head and base of the spine and along edges

"Mary A. Fisk", of Trenton, New Jersey, ownership signature dated November 1855 on front endpaper 

BAL 12112 (this is one of the "gilt extra" copies, which it is recorded were normally issued without inserted advertisements; BAL however does not record copies in blue cloth)

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."

Loosely inserted is an autograph manuscript quotation of the last stanza of Hiawatha, signed by Longfellow on 15 May 1876.

Thus departed Hiawatha,
Hiawatha the Beloved,
In the glory of the sunset,
In the purple mists of evening,
To the regions of the home-wind,
Of the Northwest wind, Keewaydin,
To the Islands of the Blessed,
To the kingdom of Ponemah,
To the land of the Hereafter!