8vo. Half-title, engraved title, additional letterpress title printed in red and black, 8 engraved plates; publisher's ads printed on endpapers. Original brown pebble blind-stamped cloth [BAL Binding A, no priority], spine stamped in gilt (a touch of rubbing to spine ends and fore-corners); folding chemise and slipcase.

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, with the period after the word “Company” in the imprint. Framed as informal conversations at a Boston boardinghouse table, Holmes blends wit, philosophy, and social commentary, capturing the intellectual spirit of mid-19th-century New England. BAL 8781; Tilton P.69ff.