Rare 1891 Emily Dickinson Poems Second Series 1st Ed 1st Print All Edges Gilt
$8,000.00
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American Literature / Poetry — A scarce first edition, first printing of Poems by Emily Dickinson: Second Series, published in Boston by Roberts Brothers in 1891. Issued five years after Dickinson’s death, this was only the second book devoted entirely to her poetry and helped establish her posthumous reputation as one of America’s greatest poets. Edited by two of her friends, T. W. Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd, the first printing consisted of only 960 copies.
This example is preserved in the publisher’s striking Binding A: white cloth boards with a green cloth spine, beveled edges, elaborate gilt lettering and ornamentation, a gilt Indian-pipe flower design and all page edges gilt. This decorative issue originally sold at a higher price than the regular cloth binding, although no priority has been established between the publisher’s recognized binding variants. Bibliographical references: Myerson A2.1.a, Binding A; BAL 4656.
The volume contains 230 numbered pages and the publisher’s four-page facsimile reproduction of Emily Dickinson’s handwritten manuscript of “Renunciation.” The handwriting appearing on those four pages is part of the original printed facsimile and is not later reader annotation.
The front endpaper bears a dated gift inscription that appears to read: “Charlotte R. Phelan, from Miss Grace Brown, Somerville — June 17, ’34.” This provides documented early twentieth-century ownership history. The individuals named in the inscription have not been conclusively identified, and no claim of notable provenance is being made.
Condition: The original binding remains intact, with the gilt lettering and Indian-pipe decoration retaining an attractive appearance. The light-colored cloth shows visible age-related staining, spotting, soiling and discoloration, particularly across the front board. Additional rubbing, edge wear and modest corner bumping are present. The gilt page edges retain strong color. The endpapers exhibit toning, scattered spotting and visible rectangular areas of discoloration or possible residue from previously attached material. The interior is generally clean and well preserved, with occasional age toning and isolated minor marks consistent with age. Please examine every photograph carefully for the exact condition.
An important early Emily Dickinson first edition and a highly desirable cornerstone for a serious collection of American poetry, nineteenth-century literature or women writers. The decorative sword-shaped page holder shown in one photograph was used for display only and is not included.
SKU V/1
Rare 1891 Emily Dickinson Poems Second Series 1st Ed 1st Print All Edges Gilt
$8,000.00
This example is preserved in the publisher’s striking Binding A: white cloth boards with a green cloth spine, beveled edges, elaborate gilt lettering and ornamentation, a gilt Indian-pipe flower design and all page edges gilt. This decorative issue originally sold at a higher price than the regular cloth binding, although no priority has been established between the publisher’s recognized binding variants. Bibliographical references: Myerson A2.1.a, Binding A; BAL 4656.
The volume contains 230 numbered pages and the publisher’s four-page facsimile reproduction of Emily Dickinson’s handwritten manuscript of “Renunciation.” The handwriting appearing on those four pages is part of the original printed facsimile and is not later reader annotation.
The front endpaper bears a dated gift inscription that appears to read: “Charlotte R. Phelan, from Miss Grace Brown, Somerville — June 17, ’34.” This provides documented early twentieth-century ownership history. The individuals named in the inscription have not been conclusively identified, and no claim of notable provenance is being made.
Condition: The original binding remains intact, with the gilt lettering and Indian-pipe decoration retaining an attractive appearance. The light-colored cloth shows visible age-related staining, spotting, soiling and discoloration, particularly across the front board. Additional rubbing, edge wear and modest corner bumping are present. The gilt page edges retain strong color. The endpapers exhibit toning, scattered spotting and visible rectangular areas of discoloration or possible residue from previously attached material. The interior is generally clean and well preserved, with occasional age toning and isolated minor marks consistent with age. Please examine every photograph carefully for the exact condition.
An important early Emily Dickinson first edition and a highly desirable cornerstone for a serious collection of American poetry, nineteenth-century literature or women writers. The decorative sword-shaped page holder shown in one photograph was used for display only and is not included.
SKU V/1