Books

In two volumes. 261, [13]; 239pp, [1]. With five terminal leaves of advertisement ads to Vol. I. Uncut, in original publisher's cloth- backed paper boards, printed lettering-pieces. Rubbed, worn to extremities and some surfaces, loss to lettering-pieces, especially that of Vol. I. Internally browned, as with most American novels of this era, with some creasing and water-marking, especially to the end of Vol. I. From the library of William St. Clair, with his pencilled inscription noting acquisition in Washington D.C. in 1990 to FFEP of Vol. I, earlier pencilled inscription to the sprung pastedown of Vol. II. The first American edition - in original state - of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's (1797-1851) fifth published novel; published just a year after first American edition of her Frankenstein, also issued by Carey, Lea and Blanchard, had appeared in the wake of the success of the Bentley's Standard Novels edition of 1831. Influenced by the success of Scott's historical Waverley Novels, The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck (1830) is set in fifteenth century England, and presents a retelling of the events surrounding the struggles of the titular Royal pretender - who claimed to be Richard, Duke of York - to wrest the English throne from Henry VII. It includes quotes from her late husband Percy Shelley's 'The Sensitive Plant' and Shakespeare's Sonnets amongst the chapter headings. Although it portrays Henry as ruthless and manipulative and Richard as seemingly idealistic and caring, the novel enunciates Shelley's philosophy that, in the end, there is little difference between men who destroy nations in the interest of their own power. Carey and Lea's cost book notes that just 1000 copies of this first American edition were printed; it also suggests that the work was printed by Chauncey Goodrich, despite the imprint of Edward Smith of Burlington appearing in the text itself. The extensive list of the publisher's other offerings included at the end of Vol. I feature, inter alia, early Carey and Lea editions of the six novels of 'Miss Austen', including the retitled first edition of Elizabeth Bennet; or, Pride and Prejudice (Philadelphia, 1832). William St. Clair (1937-2021), British scholar and senior civil servant, notable as the author of The Godwins and the Shelleys, The Biography of a Family (1989) and The Reading Nation in the Romantic Period (2004). Size: 12mo in 6s.

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" stands as a cornerstone of gothic literature and a prized artifact in the rare book market. Published in 1818, the novel's lasting influence on literature, culture, and science fiction has made it highly sought after by collectors. This article explores the literary importance of "Frankenstein," its historical context, and the factors contributing to its rarity and value. "Frankenstein" is often regarded as one of the first science fiction novels. Its themes of unchecked ambition, the quest for knowledge, and the consequences of playing God have captivated readers for over two centuries. Shelley's exploration of complex ethical and philosophical questions has made the novel a subject of academic study and a timeless piece of literature. The story's impact on popular culture is profound, with numerous adaptations in film, theatre, and other media. The novel was conceived during the summer of 1816, known as the "Year Without a Summer," at the Villa Diodati near Lake Geneva. It emerged from a storytelling contest among Mary Shelley, her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Polidori. The first edition of "Frankenstein" was published anonymously in 1818 by the small London publishing house Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones. Only 500 copies were printed, and Mary Shelley's name did not appear as the author until the 1823 edition. The rarity of "Frankenstein" in the rare book market is mainly due to the scarcity of its first edition. With only 500 copies initially printed and the book's age, surviving copies are extremely rare. The fragile nature of early 19th-century books, combined with historical events such as wars and natural disasters, has further reduced the number of existing copies. The market value of a first edition of "Frankenstein" can reach staggering amounts. In recent years, well-preserved copies have been auctioned for hundreds of thousands of dollars. For instance, a first edition copy sold at a Christie's auction in 2021 for $1.17 million.