First English Edition of Melville's Third Book, Published Before the American Edition
Mardi: And A Voyage Thither.
London: Richard Bentley, 1849.
Full Description:
MELVILLE, Herman. Mardi: And A Voyage Thither. London: Richard Bentley, 1849.
First English edition of Melville's third book, published before the American edition by a few days. This title is also Melville's only other triple-decker apart from The Whale. Three octavo volumes (7 11/16 x 4 7/8 inches; 195 x 125 mm). x, 336; x 335, [1, blank]; viii, 348 pp. Title-pages printed in red and black. Complete with half titles in Volumes II, and III and not called for in volume I.
Bound by Bayntun in half green morocco over green cloth. Morocco ruled in gilt. Spines stamped and lettered in gilt. Top edge gilt, others uncut. Marbled endpapers. A tiny previous owner's blindstamp to title-pages. Internally very clean. Overall a very good, almost unread copy.
"The first book of Melville's published by Richard Bentley and the only triple-decker aside from The Whale. Mardi was originally offered to John Murray but turned down due to frustration over the sales of Omoo, lack of international copyright, and Melville’s high asking price. Bentley was able to claim publishing rights after paying 200 guineas. It was a gamble." (Christies)
"His first literary treatment of metaphysical, ethical, and political problems, the book is overwhelmed by complexity. Begun as a narrative of adventure, it concludes as an allegory of mind." (Benét's Reader's Encyclopedia).
BAL 13658. (First American) Minnigerode, p. 134.
HBS 69497.
$8,500.
Price: $8,500.00
Item #69497