A Millionaire of Rough-and-Ready
Kentfield, California: The L-D Allen Press, 1955. Limited Edition. Hardcover. One of 220 copies, quarto size, 112 pp., in original acetate wrapper, with prospectus. Near fine / near fine. Item #23013009
Born "Francis Brett Hart" (1836-1902), Harte is known for his short stories depicting life during the California Gold Rush; over the course of forty years he would also write "poetry, plays, lectures, book reviews, editorials, and magazine sketches" (n.b., info and quote from Wiki).
In their bibliography, the Allens noted of this title that "[b]ecause our mailing list at this time consisted mainly of Californiana collectors, the text of a majority of our early editions catered to that interest. About thirty of Bret Harte's fantasies of the gold rush era were read before choosing this particular one; they were quite uneven in quality."
___DESCRIPTION: Bound in two oriental papers of tan and brown divided by a line of dollar signs stamped in gold, gold lettering on the spine, double-spread title page with lettering in black and brown with lines of dollar signs in green, three colours used throughout; Bulmer hand-set type on Rives all-rag paper from France, quarto size (10 1/16" by 6 5/8"), pagination: [2] [1-4] 5-110. In the original acetate wrapper. With the (seemingly very) scarce prospectus; in appearance a very thin sheet of wood with brown printing on both sides, measuring 5 1/8" wide by 3 7/8" tall.
___CONDITION: Volume near fine, with clean boards, the corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; both top corners lightly bumped and some offsetting to the front endpaper from the prospectus having been laid in, else fine. The acetate wrapper near fine, without splits or tears, with light overall marks. The prospectus near fine, without wear or soil, but with a pencilled notation at the top "sent 19 May '55".
___CITATION: Allen Press Bibliography, no. 16.
___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details.
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Price: $325.00