- 46
DANA, R.H. TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST, NEW YORK, 1840, FIRST EDITION (1 VOL.)
Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Two Years before the Mast. A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1849
- Paper
12mo, FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE (see footnote), original tan muslin cloth stamped in black (lower cover with Harper's Family Library, nos.1-105 listed) [binding B, state 1], uncut, in a modern morocco folding box, text spotted, binding slightly worn, rebacked retaining original spine
Provenance
early presentation inscription "George R Gaither | A Christmas Gift | From his aunt Julia Bradley | 1840"
Literature
BAL 4434B; Grolier, American 46
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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
"One of the first and freshest, because of its plain factual nature, of American accounts of the sea, the book has added importance because ... Dana journeyed up into the California cattle country, of which he gives us our only trustworthy account before the 1849 gold rush" (Grolier, American). It is generally accepted that there were two printings of this work dated 1840. This copy is the first issue: on the verso of the title there is a dot over the letter i in the word in, first line of copyright notice; on p.9 the running head is unbroken. There are two types of binding found with this work, but neither takes precedence (this "B"). This copy has an early presentation inscription dated Christmas 1840 (the work is first recorded on 19 September of that year).