THE SCARLET LETTER
First edition of the "beautiful, admirable, extraordinary" American novel (Henry James), in a stunning Whitman Bennett binding.
Fine.
Price: $7,500.00
THE SCARLET LETTER
"It is densely dark, with a single spot of vivid colour in it; and it will probably remain the most consistently gloomy of English novels of the first order." – Henry James
An exploration of outsiders, social stigma, and the philosophical underpinnings of morality, THE SCARLET LETTER was composed during a time of great doubt and disillusionment for Hawthorne, when he was having trouble achieving mainstream success. THE SCARLET LETTER turned Hawthorne's career around and inspired others: in using a realistic setting to create an extended moral allegory, Hawthorne also influenced Melville's famous book, MOBY-DICK (which was dedicated to him). The first edition of THE SCARLET LETTER was issued in only 2500 copies. Called "a work of pure genius" by Harold Bloom, it remains highly sought.
Read more: Bloom, Nathaniel Hawthorne; James, Hawthorne; Blanck, Bibliography of American Literature (BAL), 7600; Clark, Nathaniel Hawthorne: A descriptive bibliography A16.1.
The Object
Boston: Ticknor, Reed, Fields, 1850. 7'' x 4.25''. Early twentieth century full blue goatskin by Whitman Bennett, red "A" inlay to front board, last sentence of text ("On a field, sable, the letter A, gules") lettered in gilt to rear board, raised bands, gilt-stamped spine. All edges gilt. Original cloth bound in at rear. With all textual points matching Clark A16.1. [i-ii], 4 [ads], iii-iv, 322 pages. Bookplate to front pastedown. Text cleaned, likely at time of rebind. Tight and bright.
The Fine Print
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