The Scarlet Letter
Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1850. 1st Edition. 8vo. Very Good. Item #17588
A stunning 1850 1st Edition, 1st printing of one of the most iconic and influential works of American literature.
The Scarlet Letter was one of the earliest mass-produced books in the U.S., with an initial print run of just 2500 copies. An instant success, it sold out in just 10 days.
Contemporary three-quarter red morocco over marbled paper boards. Raised bands to spine with titling stamped in gilt. 322pp with four pages of publisher ads. Title page in red and black. marbled end papers.
First issue with all points present - pg 21/20 'reduplicate' for repudiate; pg 41/5 'characterss'; pg100/2 'mortal' for moral; pg 102/22 'tobelieve; pg 132/29 'catechism' for catechisms'; pg 142/23 'heaven' for heavenly; pg 189/23 'said' for answered; pg 199/4 'known of it'. Numbers '1' through '21' printed below text at foot of pages. publisher advertisements dated March 1, 1850.
Square tight binding. Clean interior, save for previous owner bookplate to front paste down, a small ancient bookseller catalog description tipped in opposite title page, and the words 'first edition' in cursive to verso of front end paper as well as a contemporary signature to top of first ads page. Mild rubbing and wear to binding. Front endpaper with small chip to lower fore edge corner. Shallow, unobtrusive chip to crown of spine. BAL 7601; Clark, 140.
Price: $5,500.00