MELVILLE, HERMAN | Pierre; or, The Ambiguities, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1852

The Property of a Gentleman

MELVILLE, HERMAN

Pierre; or, The Ambiguities, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1852

8vo (7 1/2 x 5 in.; 190 x 128 mm). Some dampstaining and foxing. Publisher's blindstamped purple cloth, spine lettered in gilt, slate-colored endpapers; soiled, discolored, some wear at joints, spine ends frayed.

First edition. The Doheny (Perryville) copy. Pierre was not a financial success, although it was reprinted in 1855. A good portion of the first edition was consumed in the 1853 Harper & Brothers fire.

REFERENCE:

BAL 13666; Miller 224; Minnigerode 161

PROVENANCE:

J. M. W. Jones, Bookseller (embossed seal on front pastedown) — Frederick W. Skiff (bookplate) — Estelle Doheny (paper bookplate; her sale, Christie's New York, 14 December 2001, lot 357).