MELVILLE, Herman (1819-1891). Narrative of a Four Months’ Residence Among the Natives of a Valley of The Marquesas Islands; or a Peep at Polynesian Life. London: John Murray, 1846.
8vo. 16pp. ads (dated March 1846); half-title. (Front hinge repaired, scattered spotting to text.) Engraved map. Original red cloth [BAL binding B], stamped in blind and in gilt (splitting along front and rear joints, same lightly soiled and worn); red cloth slip case and chemise. Provenance: Frederick Gansevoort (ownership signature dated 26 May 1847 on front free endpaper); from the Herman Melville Collection of William S. Reese.
FIRST EDITION, second issue of Melville's first book. Published in February 1846, it appeared the following month in America, under the title Typee. This copy, inscribed by Frederick Gansevoort, is presumed to be a relative of Melville, likely from his mother, Maria's side. BAL 13652.
This lot is located in Philadelphia.
