Twice Told Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne - 1837

Boston: American Stationers Co. Very Good. 1837. Hardcover. Nathaniel Hawthorne, Twice-Told Tales, 1st edition in exceptional condition. With the fifth story listed on the contents page as starting on p. 78, although it actually starts on p. 77: thus the first state of the first edition. This copy is exceptionally square and straight in the original binding, with the gilded printing on the spine still easy to read. Hawthorne's breakthrough book, and it is very difficult to find copies in such nice shape. Condition: some mild spotting and discoloration on the exterior cloth, as if from handling. Only very slight occasional foxing and stains, but generally remarkably well preserved. Two older collector's bookplates on inside front board. Most notably from the collection of Frank Brewer Bemis (1861 - 1935). Bemis was a Boston banker bibliophile who amassed one of the finest collections of American and British works, including all four Shakespeare folios. Very slight turning-in at the tips of the boards. Close to Near Fine overall, I think. Now housed in a custom clamshell box. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall .