Description
First edition, first issue of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, finely bound by R.D. Canape.
Twelvemo, [two volumes], x, [13]-312pp; iv, [5]-322pp. Bound in full black morocco, decorated with ornate gilt trim. Five raised bands, title in gilt on spine. Top edge gilt, with gilt turn-ins, morocco pastedowns, with bright marbled endpapers. Both volumes stamped at front with “Canape” bindery imprint. Previous ownership bookplate affixed to front endpaper of each volume. Solid text blocks, touch of rubbing to corners of binding, very faint touch of toning throughout volumes. A clean, near fine example.
This set contains all first issue points, including a stereotype imprint from Hobart & Robbins on copyright pages and no additional printings stated on title page. All original text points are present, including “spilt” (later changed to “spiled”) in Volume I, page 42, and “cathecism” (later changed to “catechism”) in Volume II, page 74. Complete with six full-page plates, three in each volume.
(Patkus & Schlosser) (BAL 19343) (Sabin 92457) (PMM 332)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin was first published in serial form in the National Era newspaper from June 5, 1851 to April 1, 1852. This first issue in book form was published March 20, 1852.
Provenance: This copy includes a letter to Henry E. Candler of Detroit, Michigan, who acquired the copy after having it authenticated by a publisher at Dutton in 1928. Candler later donated the volumes to The Detroit Public Library. The library held a special exhibition of the copy in 1952. The pamphlet paired with the exhibit recognized Henry E. Candler as a member of the Friends of the Detroit Public Library.
