8vo. Title-page printed in black and red. (Some minor spotting or staining.) Publisher’s pictorial green cloth uncut (darkened and soiled, separation along lower joint).

FIRST EDITION of Chopin's novel, whose frank and sexual themes drew condemnation from contemporary reviewers. In light of these reviews, the publisher declined subsequent printings of the work, which is now regarded not only as a major early feminist work, but also a precursor to American modernist literature. RARE: according to American Book Prices Current, only 3 copies of Chopin's novel have sold at auction in the last 45 years. BAL 3246.