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Details
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882). Nature. Boston: James Munroe, 1836
12o (187 x 117 mm). (Some spotting as usual.) Original green cloth with coral-like blind decoration, title gilt-lettered on front cover (spine lightly faded, covers slightly rubbed, newspaper clippings pasted to endleaves); morocco slipcase.
Provenance: Elizabeth Haskins (presentation inscription from the author on front flyleaf: "Miss Elizabeth Haskins from her affectionate nephew R.W.E.") -- Mary Shepard (gift inscription from Miss Haskins dated 1844 on front flyleaf) -- Francis K. Swartley (noted in Hogan catalogue, his books sold 9-10 December 1936) -- Frank J. Hogan (morocco bookplate in slipcase chemise) sold Parke-Bernet, New York, 23 January 1945, lot 39, for $1,025 ("Believed to be one of the most important and desirable copies of this work in existence, as it bears an autograph presentation inscription from the author to his aunt") -- Estelle Doheny (morocco bookplate in slipcase chemise).
FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE, with p. 94 misnumbered 92, BAL binding B (no priority). EMERSON'S FIRST BOOK, ONE OF ONLY A HANDFUL OF PRESENTATION COPIES RECORDED, AND POSSIBLY THE ONLY COPY WITH A FAMILY ASSOCIATION. In all likelihood, the present is one of the earliest presentation copies. It was later presented by Emerson's aunt, Miss Haskins, to her niece, Emerson's cousin, Mary Shepard. The Emerson and Haskins families were united with several marriages. The first was between Rebecca Emerson and John Haskins; the second was that of Ruth, daughter of John Haskins, to the Rev. William Emerson, the author's father. Elizabeth Haskins was the favorite and only unmarried sister of Emerson's mother. BAL 5181; Meyerson A3.1.a.
[Laid-in:]
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo. Autograph letter signed ("R.W. Emerson"), Concord, 16 November 1853, to his cousing Rev. Dr. Shepard. 2 pages, 12o. Emerson writes on the death of his mother, which had occured that day at his home. She had lived with her son since his marriage. "My dear mother died this morning about 1 o'clock, without any suffering at last. Her funeral will take place on Friday P.M. at 3 o'clock & we shall be much gratified if you & Mrs. Shepard can attend on the occasion."
12o (187 x 117 mm). (Some spotting as usual.) Original green cloth with coral-like blind decoration, title gilt-lettered on front cover (spine lightly faded, covers slightly rubbed, newspaper clippings pasted to endleaves); morocco slipcase.
Provenance: Elizabeth Haskins (presentation inscription from the author on front flyleaf: "Miss Elizabeth Haskins from her affectionate nephew R.W.E.") -- Mary Shepard (gift inscription from Miss Haskins dated 1844 on front flyleaf) -- Francis K. Swartley (noted in Hogan catalogue, his books sold 9-10 December 1936) -- Frank J. Hogan (morocco bookplate in slipcase chemise) sold Parke-Bernet, New York, 23 January 1945, lot 39, for $1,025 ("Believed to be one of the most important and desirable copies of this work in existence, as it bears an autograph presentation inscription from the author to his aunt") -- Estelle Doheny (morocco bookplate in slipcase chemise).
FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE, with p. 94 misnumbered 92, BAL binding B (no priority). EMERSON'S FIRST BOOK, ONE OF ONLY A HANDFUL OF PRESENTATION COPIES RECORDED, AND POSSIBLY THE ONLY COPY WITH A FAMILY ASSOCIATION. In all likelihood, the present is one of the earliest presentation copies. It was later presented by Emerson's aunt, Miss Haskins, to her niece, Emerson's cousin, Mary Shepard. The Emerson and Haskins families were united with several marriages. The first was between Rebecca Emerson and John Haskins; the second was that of Ruth, daughter of John Haskins, to the Rev. William Emerson, the author's father. Elizabeth Haskins was the favorite and only unmarried sister of Emerson's mother. BAL 5181; Meyerson A3.1.a.
[Laid-in:]
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo. Autograph letter signed ("R.W. Emerson"), Concord, 16 November 1853, to his cousing Rev. Dr. Shepard. 2 pages, 12o. Emerson writes on the death of his mother, which had occured that day at his home. She had lived with her son since his marriage. "My dear mother died this morning about 1 o'clock, without any suffering at last. Her funeral will take place on Friday P.M. at 3 o'clock & we shall be much gratified if you & Mrs. Shepard can attend on the occasion."