Between the Covers

Hardcover. First edition (preceding slightly the American edition). Three volumes in publisher's original pale green cloth. Ownership signature of Colonel Browne, Royal Marines on the title page of each volume (this could be any number of individuals, including the much decorated General Sir Samuel James Browne, namesake of the Sam Browne belt, although it is impossible to say with certainty). Moderate wear to the fragile original cloth of each volume, with fraying and tanning to the spines, some discoloration to the front boards (most likely from removal of contemporary private lending library labels, probably removed in the early part of the 20th Century if not earlier), all interiors clean and without faults, overall a near very good set. The half title in volume three only (none called for in volume one, and lacking from volume two). Melville's rarest English edition, seen less often than the triple-decker of *The Whale*. It is genuinely rare in the original cloth without any restoration; the few copies that surface are either rebound or repaired. No copies thus have appeared at auction in the last quarter century. Melville's third book, an allegorical novel that marked his departure from the largely factual realm of his first two books, a move that alienated his readers and would culminate in his follow-up to *Mardi*, the mystical epic *Moby-Dick*. *BAL* 13657.

Item #346522