Books

Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1850. First Edition. First Edition. 8vo. A wonderful and expressive fine binding by Riviere & Son on a first edition of Hawthorne's most important work, in full crushed levant, the front cover bolding depicting the story's theme with a large scarlet morocco inlay of the letter "A," elaborately surrounded with gilt floral tooling. The spine in six compartments, with five raised bands, and gilt lettering in two compartments; top edge gilt. Binding signed in gilt-stamped pallet on front lower dentelle: BOUND BY RIVIERE & SON. Title page printed in red and black. The perfect expression of binding and title; a very attractive and well-preserved Riviere binding with expert hinge repair.

The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850, is considered one of Nathaniel Hawthorne's most famous works. It is a historical romance set in the puritanical Massachusetts Bay Colony during the mid-17th century.

First editions feature a grey cloth cover with gilt lettering.