Description
First edition of the Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, in full sheepskin leather.
Octavo, [two volumes], 405pp, [2pp ads]; 409 pp, [6pp ads]. Full sheepskin leather, title in gilt on spines over black leather, decorative gilt board edges. Marbled endpapers and page ends. Rear hinge in Volume II starting to separate. Light wear to all boards, rubbing to spines. Fold-out map at rear of Volume II, in very good condition, some spotting and wear at folds. (Nevins II, 89) (Dornbusch II, 2429) An exceptionally scarce example of this Civil War memoir.
Published in 1875, Sherman’s memoirs were well received, with Mark Twain noting that he was “a master of narrative.” They were offered in four different bindings, according to the publisher’s prospectus, including fine blue cloth, green cloth, full sheepskin and half blue morocco. General Sherman was mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 1884 but declined the nomination, noting that “I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected.” This would forever be known as a Shermanesque statement and has been used by politicians ever since to put down speculation of seeking higher office.
