The Red Rover A Tale

Paris: Hector Bossange, 1827. First Edition. Three volumes in full red morocco. Very Good+. Three volumes. 12mo. Pp. viii, [1], 2-284; [1], 2-310; [1], 2-312. Half titles present. Marbled endpapers; all edges gilt. In later full polished calf, decoratively bordered in gilt, spine with gilt rules, lettering and flourishes. Inner dentelles. Contemporary owner initials on free endpapers. Spines a tad faded, negligible rubbing to covers. Interior quite fresh. First edition of Cooper's early novel of the sea, following The Pilot, involving a Rhode Island setting and, importantly, characters of African background. His first novel to be published overseas, this printed exceptionally well, by Lachevardiere, perhaps owing to Cooper's presence in overseeing the effort. Predates the London edition. Scarce: Last offered at auction in 1996 (Swann). A charming, well preserved set. BAL, 3837.