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Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1837
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Twice-Told Tales, the Bradley Martin copy
Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1837
HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Twice-Told Tales. Boston: American Stationers Co., 1837.
The Bradley Martin copy of the first edition of Hawthorne's first collection of short stories. Fellow Bowdoin College alum Henry Wadsworth Longfellow would praise Twice-Told Tales: "To this little book, we would say, 'Live ever, sweet, sweet book.' It comes from the hand of a man of genius." This important collection includes eighteen tales formerly published in magazines and annuals and a newspaper—hence “Twice-Told.” Several of the works—such as “The Minister’s Black Veil,” “The May-Pole of Merry Mount,” and “Wakefield”—have become classics, frequently anthologized, a vital part of the American literary canon. In 1837, Hawthorne was perhaps still “the obscurest man of letters in America” (CE 9:3). He had not yet succeeded in his effort “to open an intercourse with the world” (CE 9:6). But in the coming years, he would certainly establish that conversation. BAL 7581; Clark A2.1; Grolier American 44; Queen's Quorum p.10.
Octavo (188 x 120mm). 4 pp. of ads at front and 16 pp. publisher's catalogue at rear (some browning internally). Green patterned cloth (some fading and soiling, a little rubbed at joints and tips); modern chemise and slipcase. Provenance: The Reverend Mr Braman (gift inscription on the front endpaper, "with the regards of Frederick Howes") – H. Bradley Martin (bookplate, his sale, Sotheby's New York, 30-31 January 1990, lot 2062.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1837
HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Twice-Told Tales. Boston: American Stationers Co., 1837.
The Bradley Martin copy of the first edition of Hawthorne's first collection of short stories. Fellow Bowdoin College alum Henry Wadsworth Longfellow would praise Twice-Told Tales: "To this little book, we would say, 'Live ever, sweet, sweet book.' It comes from the hand of a man of genius." This important collection includes eighteen tales formerly published in magazines and annuals and a newspaper—hence “Twice-Told.” Several of the works—such as “The Minister’s Black Veil,” “The May-Pole of Merry Mount,” and “Wakefield”—have become classics, frequently anthologized, a vital part of the American literary canon. In 1837, Hawthorne was perhaps still “the obscurest man of letters in America” (CE 9:3). He had not yet succeeded in his effort “to open an intercourse with the world” (CE 9:6). But in the coming years, he would certainly establish that conversation. BAL 7581; Clark A2.1; Grolier American 44; Queen's Quorum p.10.
Octavo (188 x 120mm). 4 pp. of ads at front and 16 pp. publisher's catalogue at rear (some browning internally). Green patterned cloth (some fading and soiling, a little rubbed at joints and tips); modern chemise and slipcase. Provenance: The Reverend Mr Braman (gift inscription on the front endpaper, "with the regards of Frederick Howes") – H. Bradley Martin (bookplate, his sale, Sotheby's New York, 30-31 January 1990, lot 2062.
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Heather Weintraub
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