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 head and heel of both spines, faint sunning to both spines. Soiling to back cover of Volume I, splash mark on spine. Rubbing to front panel of Volume II. Publisher’s yellow endpapers, name of “H.B. DuBarry” in pencil on second free endpaper of Volume II, erased from Volume I. Folded map in pocket at rear of Volume II, in near fine condition, solid hinges, light foxing to verso.
(Nevins II: 89) (Dornbusch II: 2429)
A very good 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 “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.
