Description
Signed special edition of Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace. This is the “Garfield Edition,” released in honor of President James Garfield, who was assassinated the previous year.
Octavo, [two volumes], [1]-438pp; 439-854pp. Bound in three-quarter green morocco, with title in gilt on spine. Matching marbled paper covered boards and endpapers. Top edge gilt. An early edition, with the copyright date of 1891 not matching the title page date of 1892. Solid text blocks, touch of wear to corners of binding. Previous ownership bookplate present in both volumes. Signed by the author on a front flyleaf of Volume I. A well-presenting example, with the unique element of the author’s signature.
Ben-Hur was continuously by praised by former literature professor President James Garfield. He wrote a letter to author General Lew Wallace (which was replicated and included as a foreword in this copy) upon completing the book. Garfield writes: “…With this beautiful and reverent book you have lightened the burden of my daily life…” Garfield’s religious upbringing greatly characterized his prolific military and political career, as well as his taste in literature.
