Books

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1950. First Edition. Hardcover. Like New. First edition, first printing, presentation issue. (Error "Papadopohi" on p. 21 uncorrected, as are two errors on pp. 24 and 80.) One of only 25 "advance" copies printed from uncorrected sheets and specially bound for presentation, as noted by David A. Randall (head of Scribner's rare book department at the time) on paste down before his signature. xii, 308 pp. Publisher's dark blue buckram cloth stamped in gilt. Fine with bright gilt. Housed in a custom chemise slipcase. A rarity and perennial "stopper" for Hemingway collectors in excellent condition.

Across the River and Into the Trees is a novel by American writer Ernest Hemingway, published by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1950, after first being serialized in Cosmopolitan magazine. The title derives from the last words of U.S. Civil War Confederate General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson: “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” Hemingway's novel chronicles the experiences of Colonel Richard Cantwell, an aging officer in the U.S. Army, during a weekend duck-hunting trip in Italy. Reflecting on his past and his love affair with a young countess, Cantwell's narrative captures themes of love, war, youth, and age.

Detection of a first edition of 'Across the River and Into the Trees' can be confirmed by looking for the publishing details indicating 'Charles Scribner's Sons, 1950.' Additional points include checking for the 'A' on the copyright page, which Scribner's used at that time to denote first printings.