Stevenson, Robert Louis | The iconic tale of "buccaneers and buried gold," with an interesting association

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

Stevenson, Robert Louis

Treasure Island. London, Paris & New York: Cassell, 1883

8vo (190 x 121 mm). Half-title, frontispiece map printed in 3 colors, 8-page publisher's advertisement at end marked 5R-1083 erroneously listing Treasure Island with 304 pages. Publisher's sage cloth, spine lettered in gilt; worn with minor losses at extremities, some staining at extremities, inner hinges starting. Half blue morocco clamshell case, spine gilt in 6 compartments, 2 red morocco gilt lettering-pieces.

First edition

An interesting association copy inscribed on the flyleaf by Victorian poet, Algernon Charles Swinburne, to "Herbert Walter Mason from his affectionate friend." Mason was probably a nephew of Swinburne's friend and minder, critic Theodore Watts-Dunton.

PROVENANCE

Seven Gables Bookshop (acquired Parke-Bernet, 13 July 1964, lot 149) — Victor and Irene Murr Jacobs (their sale, Sotheby's New York, 29 October 1996, lot 441) 

REFERENCE

Beinecke 241; Gumuchian 5443; McKay 240; Osborne 2:1030