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Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1852
Details
Life of Franklin Pierce, inscribed
Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1852
HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Life of Franklin Pierce. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1852.
First edition, a presentation copy, inscribed by Hawthorne: "Hon. Ichabod Bartlett, with the respects of Nath. Hawthorne." Franklin Pierce would have known Bartlett, a senior New Hampshire attorney, from local politics and may well have requested that Hawthorne provide this copy to him. Pierce followed the older man’s trajectory, from the state legislature and the position of Speaker of the House to member of the United States House of Representatives. However, Pierce, a supporter of Andrew Jackson, rose farther, and eventually to the presidency, as Bartlett, an opponent of Jackson’s, did not. Despite their political differences, the two men were close friends, and Bartlett took pride in Pierce’s great success: “No one witnesses with more delight than himself [Bartlett] the professional triumphs of General Pierce” (“Biographical Sketch of Gen. Franklin Pierce,” Weekly Union). The fondness of the men for one another would probably have prompted Pierce to suggest to Hawthorne that an inscribed copy of his campaign biography be provided.
Bartlett would have appreciated receiving this presentation copy of the Life of his ascending friend and colleague. He died the following year, a widely respected New Hampshire statesman. By then, his friend Pierce had become president. This is a unique volume, with both literary and political significance. Clark A21; BAL 7612 (binding A with spine imprint 2mm high, no priority).
Octavo (180 x 106mm). Frontispiece portrait of Pierce (without adverts). Original black cloth, gilt-stamped spine, blind-stamped cover (rebacked with original spine laid down); modern half morocco box.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1852
HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Life of Franklin Pierce. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1852.
First edition, a presentation copy, inscribed by Hawthorne: "Hon. Ichabod Bartlett, with the respects of Nath. Hawthorne." Franklin Pierce would have known Bartlett, a senior New Hampshire attorney, from local politics and may well have requested that Hawthorne provide this copy to him. Pierce followed the older man’s trajectory, from the state legislature and the position of Speaker of the House to member of the United States House of Representatives. However, Pierce, a supporter of Andrew Jackson, rose farther, and eventually to the presidency, as Bartlett, an opponent of Jackson’s, did not. Despite their political differences, the two men were close friends, and Bartlett took pride in Pierce’s great success: “No one witnesses with more delight than himself [Bartlett] the professional triumphs of General Pierce” (“Biographical Sketch of Gen. Franklin Pierce,” Weekly Union). The fondness of the men for one another would probably have prompted Pierce to suggest to Hawthorne that an inscribed copy of his campaign biography be provided.
Bartlett would have appreciated receiving this presentation copy of the Life of his ascending friend and colleague. He died the following year, a widely respected New Hampshire statesman. By then, his friend Pierce had become president. This is a unique volume, with both literary and political significance. Clark A21; BAL 7612 (binding A with spine imprint 2mm high, no priority).
Octavo (180 x 106mm). Frontispiece portrait of Pierce (without adverts). Original black cloth, gilt-stamped spine, blind-stamped cover (rebacked with original spine laid down); modern half morocco box.
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Heather Weintraub
Specialist, Books, Manuscripts, & Archives