Concerning "Condensed Novels" by Bret Harte
first edition
1929 · Stanford
by Van Patten, Nathan
Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1929 First edition. One of 150 copies (of which forty were not for sale). Out-of-Series, not numbered. Introduction and Bibliographical Notes by Nathan Van Patten. Pp. xxi. Frontispiece facsimile. Tan boards, brown cloth spine, printed paper label on front cover. A very fine, as new, copy with lightly worn and soiled slipcase (paper label). Text of a previously unpublished letter by Bret Harte to his publisher, James R Osgood and Company, dated May 30, 1870. Harte's first book was Condensed Novels (see above), published by Carleton & Co. Harte's relationship with that publisher ended and Harte began working with James R. Osgood. Condensed Novels was reprinted by Osgood in 1871 This work by Van Patten discusses the entire situation and reproduces the rare letter (in facsimile) from Harte to Osgood discussing the possibility of the reprint. Includes an excellent introduction along with bibliographical notes and collations on the various issues of Harte's "Condensed Novels and Other Papers.". (Inventory #: 8081)