Three Melville source books

Lot 628
14.09.2022 10:00UTC -05:00
Classic
Sold
$ 2 520
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 797266
Lot 628 | Three Melville source books
Estimate value
$ 700 – 900
MELVILLE SOURCES – Three titles read by Herman Melville for research on his fiction. Providence and New York: 1824-1844.

Three Melville source books, including the first novel to treat of whaling in Nantucket, the biography of Israel Potter, and a rare account of the Somers mutiny—an important inspiration for Billy Budd. Melville’s cousin, Gansevoort, was First Lieutenant aboard the Somers and one of the officers who agreed to condemn the conspirators to immediate death. "He may have passed inside information of what occurred to Melville" (Reese). Comprises:

1. Life and Remarkable Adventures of Israel R. Potter (A Native of Cranston, Rhode-Island). Providence: J. Howard for I.R. Potter, 1824. 12mo. Woodcut frontispiece. 19th century half calf, spine gilt (worn at spine and edges). Exhibited: "A Herman Melville Collection... on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his death, from the collection of William S. Reese," Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, 1991, no. 23.
‌2. [HART, Joseph C.] Miriam Coffin, or The Whale-Fisherman: A Tale. New York: G. & C. & H. Carvill, 1834. Two volumes, octavo. Half titles. (Foxing.) Original cloth (spine ends worn, some staining, signature sprung in vol. 1). Provenance: “T.R.W.” (ownership inscriptions, one dated 1834).
3. [COOPER, James Fenimore.] The Cruise of the Somers: illustrative of the Despotism of the Quarter Deck and of the Unmanly Conduct of Commander Mackenzie. New York: J. Winchester, 1844. 8vo. Original wrappers (upper wrapped a bit chipped and soiled, with two old stickers). Custom chemise and box. Exhibited: "A Herman Melville Collection... on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his death, from the collection of William S. Reese," Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, 1991, no. 45.
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
20 Rockefeller Plaza
10020 New York
USA
Preview
01.09.2022 – 14.09.2022
Phone +1 212 636 2000
Fax +1 212 636 4930
Email
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase
Shipping Postal service
Courier service
pickup by yourself
Payment methods Wire Transfer
Business hoursBusiness hours
Mo 09:30 – 17:00   
Tu 09:30 – 17:00   
We 09:30 – 17:00   
Th 09:30 – 17:00   
Fr 09:30 – 17:00   
Sa closed
Su closed

Related terms

?>
× Create a Search Subscription