 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hard cover, 12mo, in original publisher's red cloth stamped in blind with interlocking octagons and ruled edges. Titles to the spine are blocked with illustrated lettered title in gold. Light blue coated end papers, [i]-xii, [13]-328pp. plus 8pp. variously numbered advertising catalogue of J.C. Derby "Extraordinary Publications!" beginning with Harry Wikoff's novel, "My Courtship and its Consequences." (and lots of blurbs). BAL 3998 identifies this as a first edition, (in the red cloth "A", ) with the second state designation because of this particular publisher's advertising. Illustrated with a frontispiece by Darley (from page 72) and opposite that, an illustrated title page with title worked into the design, depicting a scene from page 90). **CONDITION: Very Good Minus. Cloth to spine is a bit fragile with some losses at front joint, and missing chips of cloth at foot and the head of spine. Overall, moderate soiling of boards and a darkened spine which partly obscures the title decoration. Tips are rubbed through. Internally, hinges are in order, very small amount of occasional soiling but generally clean and bright and binding square and tight. A small pencilled note to front endpaper. Now in protective mylar.**This collection of rusticated humorous anecdotes was penned by a Civil War era wine merchant, AUTHOR Frederick Swartwout Cozzens (1818-1869), and is said to have been a favorite read of President Abraham Lincoln. (H.E. Barker, in undated ALS with the internet archive copy pdf). These stories were first published in "The Knickerboker" magazine. The narrator, Samuel Sparrowgrass and his small family, have resettled from the bustling metropolis to the more salubrious country charms of a small cottage in Yonkers, along a tributary to the Hudson River and with a handsome views of the Palisades. Chief among the episodic tales is that of Lady Godiva, in which a heart-sick young Irishman abandons his plans to immigrate to New York while missing his sweetheart back home. He purchases a return ticket, literally passing his paramour steaming her way towards him. She, in turn, must wrestle with her conscience in securing work as an artist's model to purchase her own return ticket. Other comic scenes involve the inexperienced Sparrowgrass buying a rundown old horse, and then yet another from the same seller's brother, which also does not go well for him. There is plenty of humor, making this a thoroughly enjoyable read. Philadelphia-born artist Felix Octavius Carr Darley ( 1822-1888) was one of the most successful and prolific graphic illustrators of the age, with works appearing both in magazines such as Harper's Weekly as well as in books. REFS: BAL 3998. Wright 652. On Darley, Reed, p. 17.
Ref: FICT19 9380
$50.00