Description
First edition of Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, in scarce blue cloth binding.
Octavo, [two volumes], 405pp, [2pp ads]; 409pp, [6pp ads]. Blue cloth, title in gilt on spines and covers. Light wear to spine edges, faint sunning to both spines. Yellow endpapers, bookplate affixed to front pastedowns, ownership stamp and bookseller’s name embossed on front free endpapers. Folded map in pocket at rear of Volume II, in near fine, but delicate condition. (Nevins II: 89) (Dornbusch II: 2429) A bright example of this important Civil War memoir.
Published in 1875, Sherman’s memoirs were well received, with Mark Twain noting that he was “a master of narrative.” 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.
