Flower Fables, by Louisa May Alcott
George W. Briggs, Boston. [1855]
First Edition of Louisa May Alcott's first book.
Louisa May Alcott's self titled "first born", this was Louisa May Alcott's very first and written by Louisa for Ellen Emerson, Ralph Waldo Emerson's daughter.
8vo.,<i-ii>, <1>-182 pages. Frontispiece and 5 plates (all present and well bound).
Hardcover bound in original blind- and gilt-stamped red cloth with gilt lettering. Yellow endpages.
A remarkably Good/Very Good Condition of this scarce volume.
Condition Notes: The gold gilt on the spine and cover is bright and clear. On the spine, there is a rub spot over the "B" in Fable darkening the middle of the "b" yet remaining readable. Places of generalized rubbing over the spine, and more noticeable rubbing on the back cover. Please see the photos. Wear over the bottom of the spine particularly over the three gold lines below "Briggs & Co" with loss to the gilt there and some chipping to the red cloth. (See closeup photo). Wear to the top of the spine at the back cover joint with some chipping and loss of red cloth, and wrinkling at the top of the spine. (See closeup photo).
Inside, the binding is good with some places of cosmetic cracking in some places at the gutter exposing the hinges (particularly as photographed at page 80). The book does stand up on its own, but is happiest supported in a stand or between book ends. Comes in protective mylar cover.
Rear yellow endpaper on back cover is attached to the rear board but seperated at the gutter. (Please see photo).
Previous owners' gift inscriptions inside. At the front, on the front flyleaves, the same hand appears to have written their name on back to back pages. The first one is very faint and we do not transcribe it here. The second one says, Maria G. Luck, from her Father, March 16th, 1889". (The child's name may be Maria J. Luck)
On the rear endpaper, someone has written
"Memoria vitae actae bene sempiterna est." Adrian, Sunday Jan. 31st, 1875
(This is latin for "The Memory of a Life Well Done is Eternal". We believe this is based on the writing of Cicero).
Please contact Barrow Bookstore with any questions.