Dickinson, Emily | Poems. First, Second, and Third Series. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1890, 1892, 1896

The Passion of American Collectors: Property of Barbara and Ira Lipman

Dickinson, Emily

Poems. First, Second, and Third Series. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1890, 1892, 1896

First series: First edition, first issue. Grey and white publisher's cloth stamped and lettered in gilt, silver floral motif (Myerson's B binding, no priority), top edges gilt —Second series: First edition, second printing. Grey publisher's cloth, stamped and lettered in gilt, (binding variant B), top edges gilt — Third series: First edition, first printing. Green and white publisher's cloth stamped and lettered in gilt, spine imprint of "Roberts Bros," (binding variant A), all edges gilt. 

Together 3 volumes, 12mo. Very minor shelf wear and occasional staining, slight lean, and hinges partly split but firm in First Series, early ownership inscription to fly-leaf of Second Series. Each housed in a matching half black morocco clamshell case. 

The rare first edition, first issue of Dickinson's first published book of poetry, together with the second and third series of her poems

Dickinson published only 11 poems in her lifetime. It was only after her death in 1886, that her sister discovered a locked box containing 1,775 of her manuscript poems. Mable Todd — a friend of Dickinson's, edited and published the three series. A disagreement between the Dickinson and Todd families led to the manuscripts being split, preventing the publication of a comprehensive edition of Dickinson's poetry for nearly 70 years.

PROVENANCE

Edwin R. Holden (bookplate to front pastedown of First Series)

REFERENCE

Myerson A.1.1.a, A2.1.b, A4.1.a; Grolier, American 100-91